A new announcement made by the Andhra Pradesh government is a step forward to empowering women. They have decided to give away free sanitary pads to the girls in the government colleges.
AP Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the Sweccha initiative on Tuesday, which will be giving out free sanitary pads to the girls in colleges.
The state government has stated that all female students in state government institutions will be provided with high-quality sanitary pads at no cost.
Reddy remarked that the state administration thinks that the women of their state have the capacity to influence history and that he wants to assist them in moving forward.
Also, read: Every Month, This Pad Couple Distributes Underwear And Sanitary Pads To 10,000+ Needy Children
The Chief Minister addressed the existing taboo around the topic of menstruation, saying that it should not be avoided. He went on to say that he wants to raise awareness among female students and teach them about safety procedures.
According to a news release, the government would offer 10 sanitary napkins to female students in grades 7 through 12 in all government schools and intermediate institutions throughout the state every month.
Each year, 120 sanitary napkins will be distributed to all female students. Students would be given their quota even before leaving for their vacations. A total of 32 crores has been set aside for this effort.
As per the ANI report, state governments have entered into MoUs with several business conglomerates including P&G and Niine, resulting in free branded sanitary items being distributed.
As part of the MoUs, sanitary napkins at lower costs will be sold at YSR Cheyutha outlets across the state. Over one crore women in the area will be eligible for this program.
According to the press release, a female educator will be designated as a Nodal officer in each school to aid female students with the provision of sanitary napkins, safe disposal techniques, and any other needs.
The Clean Andhra Pradesh Initiative has also resulted in the installation of 6,417 incinerators in the state.
In government schools, construction of restroom facilities with continuous water supply is also proceeding.
Such initiatives in all the states can eradicate period poverty and help every woman to have healthy and hygienic menstruation.