MY Pad ATM – A Community-Led Solution for Menstrual Health in Lakhimpur, Assam

Creating Access to Affordable & Reusable Sanitary Pads

In the Bhuma Kapchan and Dakhin Chapari Arasuti Chuburi villages of Assam’s Lakhimpur district, menstrual health has long been a challenge. With minimal access to sanitary products and annual floods disrupting daily life, women in the Mising Tribal community struggled with affordability and accessibility.

Recognizing the need for sustainable and dignified solutions, Goonj, in collaboration with local women, set up two MY Pad ATMs—community-operated resource centers that provide cost-effective, reusable sanitary pads.

Community-Led Innovation – A Mud House for the MY Pad ATM

In Bhuma Kapchan village, the women took charge by constructing a mud house to safely store and operate the MY Pad ATM. This space is not just for distribution; it also serves as a hub for awareness, discussions, and menstrual health management.

The ATM is entirely community-run, with a local women’s group managing sales, maintaining records, and utilizing funds for village development initiatives such as:

• Repairing schools and repainting classrooms
• Improving sanitation facilities, including community toilets
• Providing remuneration to volunteers managing the ATM

Overcoming Stigma & Encouraging Conversations

When the first MY Pad ATM was installed in Dakhin Chapari on January 11, 2023, awareness sessions were held as part of Chuppi Todo Baithaks (CTBs) to encourage open conversations about menstrual health.

Initially, many women hesitated to approach the ATM, but with continued engagement, acceptance grew. Minumai Doley, a volunteer managing the ATM, shared:

“The MY Pad ATM is gaining momentum. In the first month, sales were low as many women were shy and skeptical. But as awareness increased, more women started coming forward.”

How the MY Pad ATM Works – Affordable & Sustainable

Unlike traditional vending machines, the MY Pad ATM is a manually operated system, where women can purchase high-quality reusable MY Pads at just ₹20 per pack.

• Half of the revenue is allocated for community development projects.
• The remaining half supports the volunteers managing the ATM.
• When supplies run low, volunteers contact Goonj for replenishment.

A Celebration of Collective Effort

The inauguration of the MY Pad ATM was more than just an event—it became a celebration of community action, attended by over 70 people, including teenagers, elderly women, school teachers, ASHA workers, and village elders.

The event featured:

• Songs and cultural performances to break the stigma around menstruation
• Discussions on menstrual hygiene and sustainable alternatives
• Women stepping forward to purchase MY Pads on the first day

Beyond Distribution – A Movement for Change

The MY Pad ATM is not just about making sanitary pads available—it’s about creating long-term impact through awareness, accessibility, and community leadership.

By fostering community-driven solutions, this initiative is ensuring that women have agency over their menstrual health, while also strengthening local resources and resilience.

The MY Pad ATM is more than a product—it’s a symbol of dignity, awareness, and collective action.

Be a part of the movement

Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to mail@goonj.org.

Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..