Edogawa-ku, Tokyo is trying to install a dedicated device to receive free sanitary products in the toilets of public facilities in order to support people who are facing so-called "physiological poverty" where they do not have enough sanitary products. Started last month.
In February, the government conducted a fact-finding survey of 3,000 women about the so-called "physiological poverty," in which it is not possible to obtain sufficient sanitary products due to financial difficulties and neglect of parents. Over 12% of teens and 20s said they had a hard time buying or getting menstrual products.
To support these people, Edogawa Ward in Tokyo installed a dedicated device for receiving sanitary products for free in the private rooms of the toilets in 10 ward facilities such as libraries and cultural facilities from the end of last month.
This device is installed on the wall of the toilet, and when you hold the smartphone with the downloaded app over it, sanitary products will come out.
It can be used even if you are not a ward inhabitant, and it can be made free of charge because the cost is covered by the advertisement that flows on the monitor of the device.
On the other hand, in order to prevent a large amount of take-out, there is a limit of 1 sheet every 2 hours and 7 sheets in 25 days.
About two weeks after installing this device, a total of more than 260 sanitary products were received.
The ward has been making efforts to hand over sanitary products, but since there were not so many users, Edogawa Ward Life Support Division 3 Manager Eiko Ishihara said, "We will receive the efforts to hand over sanitary products. It may have been embarrassing on the side. In that respect, I think it's easy to use the private room of the toilet without contacting anyone and receiving it when needed. "
She then she said, "Many women have menstrual problems, such as'suddenly getting menstrual'. I hope I can alleviate the stress associated with menstruation." ..
Efforts will be made even in local governments in the metropolitan area
Some local governments are taking measures in the Tokyo metropolitan area regarding "physiological poverty".
According to a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office in July last year, the number of municipalities that are engaged in "physiological poverty", including temporary ones , was
76
% in Tokyo
and 74% in Kanagawa Prefecture.
72% in the prefecture ▽
56% in Ibaraki prefecture ▽
53% in Chiba prefecture ▽
46% in Tochigi prefecture
▽ 33% in Gunma prefecture.
The local governments that are working on this initiative have begun to devise such measures to make it easier for people in need to obtain sanitary products.
Until now, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo had handed out menstrual supplies individually at the infirmary of elementary and junior high schools in the ward, but from this year we decided to deploy sanitary supplies in private toilet rooms.
Since September last year, Tokyo's metropolitan schools have also placed sanitary supplies in the bathrooms of women's toilets so that necessary students and children can use them at any time.
In addition, Shinagawa Ward has begun efforts to deploy sanitary products in the toilets of elementary and junior high schools in the ward, and to receive sanitary products free of charge by showing a special card at public facilities.
In addition, Toshima Ward and Nakano Ward are also installing equipment that can receive sanitary products free of charge in the toilets of public facilities.