Digital sanitary pad bank plan launched

With an aim to make sanitary pads available to every woman and girl, a digital bank providing a sanitary pad kit has been launched by the Versova MLA Bharati Lavekar. The online portal (teefoundation.in) will give a platform to the needy girls and women to avail the sanitary pad as per their demand and also for citizens who are willing to donate to the cause.

According to Lavekar, there are thousands of women who need effective menstrual products. Through this initiative, the needy women and girls can be helped and a difference can be made to their lives.

The sanitary pad bank was initiated by TEE Foundation with an aim to bridge a gap between the donors and the needy.

Speaking about the initiative, Lavekar, President of TEE Foundation, said, "For a year, the initiative was being processed. Cervical cancer is caused due to usage of unhygienic materials like cloth, tree leaves because of which we need such initiatives to provide sanitary pads to girls and women whenever they need it."

According to the organisers, the digital bank initiative will also be reaching out in tribal (adivasi) and Zilla Parishad schools. She added, "The government is already providing them sanitary pads free of cost for 10 months which excludes two months of vacations. But if the rural schools register with us, we will provide pads for the two months which are excluded from government."

Amruta Fadnavis and veteran actress Zeenat Aman also supported the initiative.

"Donors can donate either money or sanitary pads. A packet of 10 pads cost seven rupees. The foundation will make sure it reaches those in need. We also have to overcome the taboo of menstruation," said Lavekar.