How Her machine is tackling Period Poverty in schools

Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and proper sanitation, remains a significant issue worldwide. In Pakistan, this issue is particularly pronounced in schools, where young girls often miss classes during their menstrual cycles due to inadequate access to sanitary products. This not only affects their education but also their confidence, health, and overall well-being. However, innovative solutions like Her Machine are paving the way to change this narrative, giving young girls the tools and support they need to manage their periods with dignity.

The Challenge of Period Poverty in Schools

For many girls in underprivileged areas, menstruation is still surrounded by stigma and shame. This often leads to missed school days, as they lack access to sanitary products and proper facilities. According to global studies, around 1 in 10 girls miss school during their periods, which can amount to 20% of the school year. This gap in attendance contributes to lower academic performance, increased dropout rates, and a cycle of inequality that continues throughout their lives.

The lack of menstrual hygiene products also impacts girls' mental health, as they may feel embarrassed or anxious, further isolating them from their peers. This issue is particularly concerning in schools, where education should be an equalizer, not a place of inequality.

Enter Her Machine: A Solution to Period Poverty

Her Machine, a vending machine that provides access to affordable sanitary products, is revolutionizing menstrual care in schools across Pakistan. By strategically placing these vending machines in schools, Her Machine ensures that young girls can access sanitary pads discreetly and conveniently whenever they need them. Here’s how Her Machine is making a difference:

1. Access to Affordable Sanitary Products

The core mission of Her Machine is to make sanitary products affordable and accessible for schoolgirls. With just a small token or cash, girls can access sanitary napkins through these vending machines, eliminating the need to skip classes or use unhygienic alternatives. The presence of these machines in schools ensures that girls don’t have to worry about being unprepared for their periods, leading to fewer absences and better academic performance.

2. Promoting Confidence and Dignity

Having access to sanitary products directly in schools helps normalize menstruation and reduces the shame and stigma associated with periods. Girls no longer need to feel embarrassed or anxious about their cycles. Instead, they gain confidence, knowing that there are resources available to help them manage their menstrual health without interruption to their education. This simple yet impactful solution promotes dignity and empowerment among young girls, creating an environment where they can focus on learning rather than worrying about their periods.

3. Reducing Absenteeism and Dropout Rates

One of the most significant impacts of Her Machine is its role in reducing absenteeism. By providing easy access to sanitary pads, girls no longer have to miss school during their periods. This improvement not only affects their academic success but also contributes to reducing the dropout rate of girls due to period-related challenges. When girls feel confident and prepared during their periods, they are more likely to stay in school and continue their education.

4. Educating Young Minds

Beyond just access to sanitary products, Her Machine works alongside schools to promote menstrual health education. Schools that install these machines often conduct workshops and awareness sessions to teach girls about menstrual hygiene, breaking down misconceptions, and empowering them with the knowledge to manage their health. By combining practical solutions with education, Her Machine addresses period poverty from multiple angles, ensuring both physical and psychological support for young girls.

5. Sustainability and Social Impact

Her Machine is also committed to sustainability and social impact. The vending machines are designed to be cost-effective and scalable, allowing schools in rural and urban areas alike to benefit from this initiative. Additionally, by working with local suppliers, Her Machine helps promote local economies while also keeping costs low for students. This holistic approach ensures that the fight against period poverty is sustainable in the long term.

A Brighter Future for Young Girls

Her Machine is more than just a vending machine – it’s a tool for empowerment. By addressing period poverty in schools, it helps create an environment where girls can focus on their education without the barriers of shame, stigma, or inadequate resources. As more schools adopt this innovative solution, we can look forward to a future where period poverty is a thing of the past, and young girls are equipped with the confidence and resources they need to thrive.

In the words of one student, “Before Her Machine, I would miss classes every month because I didn’t have what I needed. Now, I feel confident and ready, even on my period.”

With initiatives like Her Machine, the dream of ending period poverty in schools is becoming a reality, one vending machine at a time.