Though it has been only 10 days since the first sanitary pad vending machine and incinerator were installed at the Mumbai Police headquarters, the initiative has already been welcomed with open arms by women personnel.
The initiative, titled Smart Maitrin project, was inaugurated by Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Barve and his wife at the Police Commissionerate compound on April 9. The idea was to provide for the needs of the women personnel and give rise to a healthier and more effective police force. More such machines are set to be installed all over the city.
Women personnel on Thursday expressed happiness at the authorities taking steps to promote menstrual hygiene and dispel the taboo around menstruation. Sachin Patil, deputy commissioner of police (HQ-I), said, “Hygiene is the most important issue and we are taking small steps towards ensuring the ready availability of facilities for women police personnel in Mumbai.”
After the machines were made operational, the police also held an awareness session for women cops, explaining how to obtain sanitary pads from the vending machines and dispose of them in the incinerators. A pad can be obtained by depositing ₹5 in the machine. A woman officer has been appointed to assist personnel in operating machines at the HQ. Such officers will be appointed at every police station and unit where the machines have been installed.
Pratiksha Gaikwad, police constable posted at the HQ, said. “Earlier, our uniforms used to get soiled and there was a problem in communicating about our issues with other officers. The pads from the vending machine are of good quality and of a large size. There are some of us who prefer the pads of certain brands but during emergencies these vending machines are very helpful.”
Pratiksha Sawant, another constable, said, “The machines are working without a hitch. We no longer have to worry about rushing to far away medical stores during night shifts.”
The women personnel said that though they are still not comfortable talking about menstruation with their male counterparts, change is taking place slowly. They said that male cops are now open to speaking about the issue, and members of the top brass are also taking their concerns into account.
Subhash Babar, a police constable, said, “This initiative is helping the women staff to open up about their issues and there is no delay in addressing their problems. I am extremely proud of this initiative.”
In the first phase of the project, 140 machines will be installed at police stations, traffic police divisions, Crime Branch units, and motor transport department units across the city. Mr. Patil said, “We will be taking the project forward depending on the feedback we receive after the first phase.”
