Empowering Young Minds with Hygiene & Dignity! 💖

 A Step Toward Equality and Empowerment

On February 21, 2025, the ISCI Foundation made another powerful stride in its commitment to menstrual equity and education through its flagship Maasi Initiative. This time, the movement reached Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 4 (KV 4), Gwalior, where a Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine was installed, aiming to support adolescent girls with accessible, affordable, and stigma-free menstrual care.

This wasn’t just another installation—it was a symbol of dignity, a tool of empowerment, and a declaration that menstruation should never stand in the way of a girl’s right to education or self-worth.

With the presence of medical professionals, committed volunteers, and dedicated school staff, the event turned into a dynamic platform for learning, conversation, and change.

A Mission Rooted in Dignity: The Maasi Initiative

The Maasi Initiative (Menstrual Awareness And Sanitation Initiative) by ISCI Foundation is one of its most transformative undertakings. Launched with the goal of addressing period poverty and menstrual stigma, it champions awareness, accessibility, and long-term behavior change.

From urban schools to remote villages, the initiative has taken concrete steps:

• Installing sanitary napkin vending machines in schools, factories, and public institutions

• Organizing awareness sessions with healthcare professionals

• Distributing reusable and eco-friendly sanitary products

• Facilitating safe disposal methods

The event at KV 4, Gwalior was a proud continuation of this movement, now marking the 17th installation.

Creating a Culture of Openness at KV 4

At a time when discussing menstruation remains a taboo in many parts of India, ISCI Foundation believes that awareness begins with conversation.

The event at KV 4 featured an impactful menstrual hygiene awareness session led by Dr. Archana Bhadoria, who engaged students with clarity, compassion, and scientific precision. Her session covered:

• The biological basics of menstruation

• Importance of hygiene during periods

• Myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation

• Emotional changes and self-care

Dr. Bhadoria encouraged the girls to speak up, ask questions, and never feel ashamed of their bodies. For many of the young students, it was their first time engaging in such an open discussion about menstruation—an experience they found both enlightening and empowering.

Words That Inspire: From the Director’s Desk

In his address, ISCI Foundation Director Mohit Modi beautifully captured the soul of the initiative:

“Every vending machine we install is a promise to the future—a promise that no girl will have to choose between her education and her basic needs. Menstrual health is a right, not a privilege, and with every step, we are creating a world where periods never pause progress.”

His words struck a chord, not just with students but also with teachers and staff present at the event. It reinforced the idea that structural change starts with compassionate intention and collective effort.

Behind the Scenes: The Volunteers Who Made It Happen

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the ISCI Foundation’s tireless volunteers who turned this vision into reality:

• Kartik, our enthusiastic Happiness Officer, who ensured coordination, logistics, and emotional engagement throughout the day.

• Aryan, Ankita, Abhishek, and Vedanshi, who handled everything from set-up to crowd management, awareness material distribution, and participant interaction.

These volunteers represent the spirit of youth leadership, stepping up for a cause that many shy away from. Their energy, commitment, and compassion were the backbone of the day’s success.

Why Vending Machines Matter

The installation of the sanitary napkin vending machine was more than a symbolic act—it was a practical and impactful intervention. Here’s why such efforts are crucial:

• Accessibility: Girls now have instant access to sanitary pads without needing to ask or travel far.

• Privacy and Dignity: The machines allow girls to obtain menstrual products discreetly, protecting their privacy.

• Continuity in Education: Many girls miss school during their periods due to lack of menstrual products. With easier access, absenteeism reduces.

• Confidence Boost: Empowering girls with knowledge and tools builds self-confidence and reduces shame.

Each machine dispenses low-cost, hygienically packaged pads and is refilled regularly, ensuring long-term functionality.

From Shame to Strength: The Impact on Young Girls

As the students at KV 4 interacted during the session, one could see the shift in mindset. Girls who initially giggled or avoided eye contact during the word "period" were now:

• Asking about proper pad usage

• Sharing personal experiences

• Discussing how they feel during menstruation

  A Broader Movement, A Growing Impact

  KV 4, Gwalior is just one chapter in a larger story. Under Maasi Initiative 2.0, ISCI Foundation has already:

  • Reached thousands of school girls across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

  • Collaborated with medical professionals and educators

  • Partnered with institutions like Takshila Textiles Factory, Govt. schools, and Anganwadis

  • Created safe spaces for open conversations around menstrual and reproductive health

  Each installation, awareness session, and product distribution is a seed of change. With more than 10 installations lined up, the journey is far from over.

  
  

  Future Vision: Toward a Period-Positive India

  ISCI Foundation envisions a society where:

  • Menstruation is normalized

  • Girls are not ashamed to ask for help or speak out

  • Workplaces and schools are menstrual-friendly

  • Eco-friendly practices in menstrual care are adopted widely

    
    

  The event at KV 4 stands as a testament to how simple, well-planned actions can create waves of transformation. A vending machine may seem small, but it carries with it the power to restore dignity, opportunity, and confidence to every girl it serves.

  
  

  As the students walked out of the session smiling, holding hygiene kits and information pamphlets, they weren’t just more informed—they were empowered.

  
  

  And as ISCI Foundation continues its journey through the Maasi Initiative, one thing is certain: the movement is growing, and so is the hope for a future where periods are no longer a source of shame—but of strength