Media Release
Bengaluru, Mar 20: 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% 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 Launches FlowBae: A Multi-Pronged Approach to MHM recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue, Alliance University is proud to launch ‘FlowBae,’ a ground-breaking initiative spearheaded by the PR and 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, Normalization, and Responsible Disposal:
FlowBae ensures uninterrupted access to essential hygiene products through strategically placed, UPI-enabled vending machines across campus, prioritizing convenience and fostering a supportive environment where periods are normalized. 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 minimize environmental impact.
Sustainable Disposal and Women's Empowerment:
FlowBae extends beyond immediate needs by empowering women in a unique way. 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 minimizing 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 2350 female students, FlowBae transcends a singular initiative, it is an investment in the future. It empowers women throughout their academic journey, not just on a single day. By prioritizing 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 normalized 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 and 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 is a period of positive change for women, the environment, and the future at Alliance University.