Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) remains a critical yet often overlooked issue in India. Despite being enshrined as an integral part of the Swachh Bharat Mission guidelines, a significant gap exists. According to the National Family Health Survey (2020-21), over 30 per cent of women aged 15-24 lack access to hygienic menstrual products. This statistic aligns with a global challenge a 2018 UNICEF report estimates that 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to safe and hygienic menstrual hygiene products.
Alliance University launched ‘FlowBae’ a multi-pronged approach to MHM, an initiative spearheaded by the PR & Media Relations department.
FlowBae goes beyond simply providing access to sanitary products; it tackles menstruation on multiple fronts, dismantling stigma, empowering women and championing environmental responsibility.
Accessibility, Normalisation and Responsible Disposal
FlowBae ensures uninterrupted access to essential hygiene products through strategically placed, UPI-enabled vending machines across campus, prioritising convenience and fostering a supportive environment where periods are normalised. The playful name ‘FlowBae’ itself embodies this philosophy, signifying a reliable companion throughout a woman’s menstrual journey. Alongside the vending machines, eco-conscious disposal units promote responsible waste management and minimise environmental impact.
Sustainable Disposal and Women’s Empowerment
FlowBae extends beyond immediate needs by uniquely empowering women. A sustainable process transforms discarded sanitary pads into tar and ash. These materials are then repurposed by economically disadvantaged women into small pods, which are further transformed into useful items like pen stands or plant holders. This not only creates a closed-loop system minimising environmental impact but also empowers these women with an income source.
Transparency and Commitment
Alliance University demonstrates its steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility through quarterly emission reports specific to FlowBae. This commitment to transparency ensures continuous monitoring and improvement of sustainable practices.
Investing in the Future
With over 2,350 female students, FlowBae transcends a singular initiative; it’s an investment in the future. It empowers women throughout their academic journey, not just on a single day. By prioritising accessibility, fostering inclusivity and promoting sustainability, FlowBae serves as a testament to Alliance University’s commitment to creating a positive and empowering environment for all.
Educational Institutions as Agents of Change
FlowBae exemplifies the vital role educational institutions can play in creating positive societal change. By addressing critical issues like menstrual hygiene access and stigma, universities can empower women, promote environmental responsibility and foster a more inclusive learning environment. FlowBae serves as a beacon, inspiring other institutions to embrace similar initiatives and contribute to a future where menstruation is a normalised and managed aspect of life for all women.
FlowBae Pilot Project and FlowBae Zones
As a first step, FlowBae will be launched as a pilot project in the HOR1 & HOR2 hostels of Alliance University by the end of this month. Following the success of the pilot, FlowBae zones will be established across the entire campus, ensuring wider accessibility and a more comprehensive approach to menstrual hygiene management.
FlowBae is more than just a period solution; it’s a period of positive change for women, the environment and the future at Alliance University.
