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Pads at the Workplace: Breaking Barriers, Building Dignity with MAASI Initiative 2.0


Installing SNVM

In many parts of India, menstruation is still whispered about behind closed doors. Despite being a natural biological process experienced by half the population, the lack of access to menstrual hygiene facilities remains a widespread issue—particularly in low-income workplaces, schools, and rural communities. The consequences are far-reaching: from health complications to school dropouts and workplace absenteeism.

The ISCI Foundation, through its ongoing MAASI Initiative (Menstrual Awareness and Sanitation Initiative), is working tirelessly to change that narrative. On February 27, 2025, the Foundation reached another crucial milestone by installing its 16th Sanitary Napkin Vending Machine, this time at Takshila Textiles Factory in Gwalior. The initiative ensures that over 200 female employees at the factory now have easy, dignified, and uninterrupted access to menstrual hygiene products—a change that’s as essential as it is long overdue.

This latest achievement stands as a testament to ISCI’s unwavering mission to ensure menstrual dignity and break period poverty, one location at a time.



The Need: Periods Shouldn’t Disrupt Productivity

It’s no secret that India’s labor force includes thousands of women working long hours in garment and textile factories, often under challenging conditions. For these women, getting their periods at work—especially when there are no sanitary facilities—means taking early leaves, working in discomfort, or resorting to unhygienic alternatives. The shame and stigma around menstruation only add to the silence and suffering.

ISCI Foundation Director Mohit Modi, who has championed women-centric health initiatives for years, addressed this reality at the installation event:

“Menstrual hygiene is not a privilege—it’s a fundamental right. Every workplace should provide safe and accessible sanitary solutions for women. Through this initiative, we are not just installing machines—we are fostering a healthier, more supportive work environment where women can focus on their skills and productivity without hesitation.”



MAASI 2.0: Reaching Women Where They Work

Launched in 2022, the MAASI Initiative was originally designed to combat period poverty among schoolgirls and women in underserved communities. The project involved organizing health camps, awareness sessions, and sanitary pad distributions in rural areas and government schools. However, with the success of its initial phase, MAASI has grown into something much larger.

With MAASI 2.0, the Foundation has shifted gears—not just reaching girls at schools, but now targeting working women in industrial setups, including factories, retail spaces, and marketplaces.

The installation at Takshila Textiles marks a powerful step in that direction. The factory, which employs a significant number of female workers, welcomed the initiative with open arms. ISCI’s team worked closely with factory management to ensure seamless implementation, awareness-building, and follow-up care.

Leading the on-ground execution were ISCI’s Happiness Officer Kartik and volunteers Aryan, Ankita, and Abhishek. Their tasks ranged from coordinating logistics and conducting pad-usage tutorials to collecting feedback and addressing cultural sensitivities. Their tireless efforts ensured that the machine wasn’t just installed—it was embraced.


What Makes the MAASI Model Unique?

At the core of MAASI lies a three-pillar approach:

  1. Access – Providing sanitary napkin vending machines in underserved areas.

  2. Awareness – Educating women and girls about menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and busting myths.

  3. Acceptance – Breaking the silence and shame associated with periods by involving both men and women in the conversation.

Installing SNVM

Every installation isn’t just a mechanical act—it is a community movement. Women are encouraged to speak, ask, and share. From rural Aanganwadi centers to large factories like Takshila, ISCI’s programs always come with interactive awareness sessions, free pad distributions, and doctor consultations when needed. Why This Matters: Dignity is Non-Negotiable

While the world races toward technological advancement and economic development, basic menstrual hygiene remains inaccessible to millions. The MAASI Initiative is a reminder that progress isn’t only about GDP or growth rates—it’s about ensuring every individual, regardless of gender or income, can live with dignity and confidence.

The installation at Takshila Textiles is not just about one machine. It’s about creating an environment where women are not held back by biology, where they don’t feel ashamed, and where their needs are seen and supported.



Installing SNVM

Final Words: A Culture of Care and Courage

With every pad dispensed and every myth shattered, the MAASI Initiative by ISCI Foundation is building a new culture—one of care, confidence, and courage.

Let this be a call to action for every employer, policymaker, and citizen:Menstrual health is not a women’s issue—it’s a human issue. And it's time we all stood up for it.

💬 Because productivity shouldn’t pause for periods—every woman deserves a workplace that supports her.





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