Innovative Solution to Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Indian Schools by Aashraya Seth

Innovative Solution to Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Indian Schools by Aashraya Seth

VoM News Desk | December 2, 2023 | 11:46 AM IST | Health | Follow on Google News

Innovative Solution to Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Indian Schools by Aashraya Seth

Innovative Solution to Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in Indian Schools by Aashraya Seth

Aashraya Seth, a visionary from Lucknow, is addressing the critical issue of girls dropping out of schools due to menstrual hygiene challenges with a groundbreaking solution. He has introduced India’s most affordable non-electric sanitary pad vending machine, priced at just Rs 2500.

Features of the Sanitary Pad Vending Machine

Designed to be sustainable and compact, these vending machines are installed in school washrooms, providing easy and free access to biodegradable sanitary pads for girls. This simple yet effective solution aims to ensure menstrual hygiene without causing financial strain.

Apart from the vending machines, Aashraya has developed an affordable cloth pad, priced at Rs 80, and a sustainable menstrual curriculum focused on sensitizing young people, especially boys, about menstrual hygiene.

Recognition and Global Outreach

Aashraya Seth, the founder of The Intelligent Indian NGO and the Menstrual Hygiene Friendly Spaces initiative, has gained international recognition. He was named a Goalkeeper by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and represented his work at the Goalkeepers Event in New York and the UN General Assembly in 2023.

The Journey of Innovation

Aashraya’s innovation stemmed from his experience in enhancing education quality through EdTech and recognizing the gender gap in STEM education. The high costs of traditional sanitary pad vending machines led him to develop an affordable alternative.

Aashraya is a graduate in Computer Science and Physics from the University of Lucknow and has furthered his education through fellowships at the University of Cambridge, University of Chicago, and the Korean Development Institute. His commitment to gender justice has also earned him a United Nations fellowship.

Impact and Recognition

The Intelligent Indian NGO has installed these vending machines in over 150 government and Kasturba Gandhi schools in Uttar Pradesh, benefiting over 70,000 girls. Aashraya’s work has earned him recognition as one of the top social innovators in India and various international accolades.

With India’s draft National Menstrual Hygiene Policy in place, Aashraya’s team is seeking government adoption of the vending machines and menstrual curriculum to combat period poverty effectively.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Aashraya Seth at [email protected] or visit https://theintelligentindian.org.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.