Thiruvananthapuram: Pad Aid set to ensure safe periods for disadvantaged

Thiruvananthapuram: A company in Technopark is collecting sanitary napkins to be distributed in Ockhi-hit regions as well as tribal areas. The Pad Aid campaign, launched on January 25, has managed to collect 300 napkins through donation boxes placed on the office premises of Navigant, a business process management solution company. Now, Technopark has allowed boxes to be placed at Bhavani Atrium, Tejaswini lounge and Technopark Phase-III lounge. The pads will be distributed to women in coastal and tribal regions by the NGO Sakhi.

But when the idea was still being discussed, at least some at Navigant were hesitant about doing a campaign related to menstruation. The company’s HR Director Jeena Peter says, “Everyone at the company was convinced about the cause, as only 12 per cent women in India have access to hygienic sanitation. However many expressed their inhibitions about buying pads, and were ready to contribute money. We realised this exercise would be an opportunity to change the attitude, and address the stigma.”

For this reason, money donations will not be accepted. Though the campaign concludes on February 12, they hope to organise many more menstruation campaigns. “This was a litmus test. Now that the response has been positive, we are thinking of launching a larger campaign related to menstrual hygiene. Then we would be open to explore sustainable menstruation choices as well,” says Aparna S, senior officer, HR.