WOMN was launched to make travel easier for women

Minister for Women and Child Development Bindhu Krishna hands over a pack of sanitary napkins to women at the launch of WOMN – Women on the Move and Menstrual Needs

Keralam Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishna on Tuesday inaugurated WOMN – Women on the Move and Menstrual Needs – a program launched by the Women and Child Development Department to make sanitary pads available to women in public places when they travel.

Launching the initiative at the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Bus Terminal, Thampanoor, Ms. Krishna said here that WOMN was designed to address a vital need that directly affects the lives of women. Menstrual hygiene was important for women’s health and dignity. The availability of sanitary napkins at affordable prices while traveling should be considered a basic amenity, she said. WOMN also included facilities for the ecological disposal of napkins.

Vending machines and tissue incinerators are initially installed near toilets at 14 KSRTC terminals/warehouses. Each pack would contain three sanitary napkins and cost ₹10. The scheme is being implemented by the department in collaboration with HLL Lifecare. KSRTC employees would be given training to stuff napkins into machines and clean incinerators. An amount of ₹16 crore has been earmarked for this.

KSRTC sought to have the scheme extended to 93 more KSRTC depots. The initiative will be gradually extended to more public spaces, including major tourist destinations, in the state, the minister said. Councilor Harikumar, KSRTC Chairman and Managing Director Pramoj Shankar and Women and Child Development Director V. Vigneshwari were present at the launch.

Published – 06 Oct 2026 21:36 IST