There have been schemes initiated by the Indian government. If we take a quick glance, we can see a significant number of them essentially revolve around women belonging to the reproductive age bracket, or young girls and infants. Menstruation is a natural, healthy function. However, a lot of women in our country grow up being ashamed of their bodies. A large number of women are forced to use old cloth and even newspapers during their menstrual cycle and for some sanitary napkins are expensive, without being able to afford them, they stick up to other alternatives. Kerala became the first state to ensure the installation of sanitary napkin machines in government schools shutting the periods taboo. Giving it a big boost for our country, now 26 schools in Agra will get sanitary pad vending machines installed. Is Masturbation The Same As Menstruation? Gujarat Textbook Hilariously Confuses The Two!

They have been gifted by Amar Tulsiyan, social entrepreneur and founder of Niine in a move to raise awareness about menstruation and de-stigmatise the natural phenomenon. According to reports, the machines have already reached the principals of Holi Public School in Sikandra, Sachdeva Millenium School in Shashtripuram, Agra Public School in Viajy Nagar, Artoni and Shahdra Chungi, Andrew Public School in Balkeshwar, Kamla Nagar, St Andrew Public School in Baruli and Dr MS World School among others. As soon as the schools are done with their mid-term exams, the sanitary pad vending machines will be installed. An official was quoted saying, “The idea behind the whole thing is to enable young girls to grow into an empowered young woman and put an end to period taboos.” How to Stop Period Cramps? 5 Mistakes That Are Making Them Worse During Your Menstruation. 

The CEO of Shudh Plus Hygiene Products, Richa Singh reported that her firm has entered into Rs. 80 crore MoU with the state and they will be donating 20 more such machines along with menstrual hygiene toolkits in Allahabad, Varanasi and other small towns and cities across the state. It is indeed an exemplary step and should be replicated throughout India. However, a lot more still needs to be done at multiple levels on menstruation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2018 07:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).