Public Sanitary Napkin Distribution Program to Launch in July

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will officially launch the 'Public Sanitary Napkin Support Pilot Project' in July. [Photo=Ministry of Gender Equality and Family]

Starting in July, the 'Public Sanitary Napkin Support Pilot Project' will be implemented, allowing anyone in need of sanitary napkins to access them at nearby public facilities.

On June 9, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced that it has selected 12 local governments across the country to participate in the pilot project, confirming the brand name for the public sanitary napkins as 'Everyone's Sanitary Napkins.'

The pilot project will take place in the following areas: Gwangjin-gu and Eunpyeong-gu in Seoul, Gwangmyeong and Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, Seocheon-gun in South Chungcheong Province, Jung-gu in Daejeon, Jeongeup in North Jeolla Province, Mokpo in South Jeolla Province, Buk-gu in Gwangju, Gumi in North Gyeongsang Province, Geochang-gun in South Gyeongsang Province, and Jeju City in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.

The introduction of 'Everyone's Sanitary Napkins' aims to alleviate the burden of purchasing sanitary napkins, expanding support beyond vulnerable youth to improve accessibility for all.

The sanitary napkins will be packaged hygienically in packs of two medium-sized napkins and will be provided through dedicated dispensers.

The Ministry plans to install and operate dispensers in key public facilities such as administrative welfare centers and public libraries in the pilot areas, as well as near busy transportation and commercial hubs tailored to local characteristics.

Additionally, dispensers will be placed near university areas with a high concentration of young single-person households and in industrial complexes for worker accessibility.

A total of over 700 dispensers will be installed in the pilot areas, consisting of approximately 300 manual and 400 automatic units.

The 12 local governments selected for the pilot project were chosen through a review committee from 32 applicants by the deadline of May 21. These governments will complete preparations for the installation and operational systems before launching the project in July.

Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Won Min-kyung, stated, "The introduction of the government public sanitary napkin program, 'Everyone's Sanitary Napkins,' is a first step toward creating an environment where anyone can use sanitary napkins with peace of mind when needed. We expect it to contribute to enhancing public health rights and alleviating the financial burden of purchasing sanitary napkins."

* This article has been translated by AI.

Park Ja Yeon