<p class="bodytext">A new city-based initiative called ‘Kshema’ is encouraging auto rickshaw drivers to set up sanitary napkin dispensers in their vehicles. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Launched by Sakriya Charitable Trust, the dispensers have been installed in 10 auto rickshaws currently. “How often have you been out and about when you got your period? This is a situation most women have experienced more than once in their lives. And in such a situation, a pharmacy is not always around. In a city like Bengaluru, where autos are among the most-used modes of transportation, it only makes sense to use them to make period products available for those in need,” says Anitha Rao, founder of the non-profit. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Established in 2019, the organisation is focused on raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Over the years, Anitha has carried out multiple projects to further this cause, such as ‘K2K Period Paat Abhiyaan’. Under this project, the organisation conducted free online and in-person menstrual health sessions at schools, colleges, and orphanages across the country.</p>.Bengalureans gear up for a weekend of cosplaying.<p class="bodytext">When Anitha reached out to auto drivers in the city, she was surprised by their enthusiasm, she shares. “One of the auto drivers I met, Azzu Sultan, was very supportive and encouraging. He motivated drivers to be a part of the initiative. I’m funding this on my own, so I could only manage to set up ten dispensers. Going forward, the drivers themselves will be responsible for refilling the sanitary napkins,” she tells Metrolife. The sanitary napkins will be available to passengers for free. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The fleet of 10 drivers is a diverse bunch. “There’s a transgender driver involved in the initiative and also female drivers. Everyone readily agreed as we have all witnessed the discomfort women experience during such situations. The plan is to instal these dispensers in at least 100 autos in the coming months. We’re trying to facilitate funds,” shares Azzu Sultan, popularly known online as Auto Kannadiga, who went viral last October for installing placards in autos to teach passengers basic Kannada phrases.</p>
<p class="bodytext">A new city-based initiative called ‘Kshema’ is encouraging auto rickshaw drivers to set up sanitary napkin dispensers in their vehicles. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Launched by Sakriya Charitable Trust, the dispensers have been installed in 10 auto rickshaws currently. “How often have you been out and about when you got your period? This is a situation most women have experienced more than once in their lives. And in such a situation, a pharmacy is not always around. In a city like Bengaluru, where autos are among the most-used modes of transportation, it only makes sense to use them to make period products available for those in need,” says Anitha Rao, founder of the non-profit. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Established in 2019, the organisation is focused on raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Over the years, Anitha has carried out multiple projects to further this cause, such as ‘K2K Period Paat Abhiyaan’. Under this project, the organisation conducted free online and in-person menstrual health sessions at schools, colleges, and orphanages across the country.</p>.Bengalureans gear up for a weekend of cosplaying.<p class="bodytext">When Anitha reached out to auto drivers in the city, she was surprised by their enthusiasm, she shares. “One of the auto drivers I met, Azzu Sultan, was very supportive and encouraging. He motivated drivers to be a part of the initiative. I’m funding this on my own, so I could only manage to set up ten dispensers. Going forward, the drivers themselves will be responsible for refilling the sanitary napkins,” she tells Metrolife. The sanitary napkins will be available to passengers for free. </p>.<p class="bodytext">The fleet of 10 drivers is a diverse bunch. “There’s a transgender driver involved in the initiative and also female drivers. Everyone readily agreed as we have all witnessed the discomfort women experience during such situations. The plan is to instal these dispensers in at least 100 autos in the coming months. We’re trying to facilitate funds,” shares Azzu Sultan, popularly known online as Auto Kannadiga, who went viral last October for installing placards in autos to teach passengers basic Kannada phrases.</p>