Saksham Mahila Udyojak Parishad submits memorandum to NMMC, advocating for sanitary pad vending machines in public spaces | File Photo
Navi Mumbai, April 23, 2025: The Saksham Mahila Udyojak Parishad has submitted a formal request to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), demanding the installation of sanitary pad vending and disposal machines across all government establishments under the corporation’s jurisdiction. The memorandum was handed over to the Municipal Commissioner on April 22 by Parishad President Dipali Sudip Gholap.
In the memorandum, the Parishad highlighted the lack of menstrual hygiene facilities in municipal schools, government offices, banks, and public women’s restrooms. The absence of accessible sanitary pads and safe disposal options is causing discomfort and inconvenience to schoolgirls, female staff, and visitors, posing a serious challenge to women’s health and hygiene.
The Parishad emphasized that installing sanitary pad vending machines and eco-friendly disposal units would promote cleanliness and provide a sense of safety for women in public spaces. Moreover, the availability of such facilities could help reduce school absenteeism among girls and improve the working environment for female employees.
Calling menstrual hygiene a basic right and necessity, Gholap urged the corporation to uphold its commitment to women’s empowerment by acting swiftly on the demand. She expressed confidence that NMMC would lead by example in creating a safe, hygienic, and supportive environment for women.
According to sources, the Municipal Commissioner has taken note of the memorandum and is expected to direct the concerned departments to initiate action on the proposal.
If implemented, the move could serve as a model for urban local bodies across Maharashtra, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of women’s health and hygiene needs in public policy and infrastructure planning.
