In Shanghai, I recognized a significant gap in the accessibility of menstrual products in public spaces, particularly affecting menstruators in rural areas of China. Motivated to address this issue, I founded Paide, a non-profit initiative dedicated to improving access to menstrual products.
Paide aims to install vending machines that dispense menstrual products in public restrooms throughout Shanghai. My goal is to enhance the availability of these essential items, as they are fundamental to the well-being of all menstruators. It is crucial to foster a more equitable and inclusive society where basic needs are met.
By harnessing the purchasing power of Shanghai's more affluent residents, we can subsidize and distribute free menstrual products to those in rural communities, where access is even more limited.
Despite facing numerous rejections from manufacturers due to my status as a high school student leading a small non-profit, my determination has yielded results. Within a few months, I successfully installed several vending machines in public bathrooms across Shanghai. This is merely the beginning; I am committed to expanding Paide's reach throughout the city and eventually across China.
As I prepare to embark on my college journey in a year, I remain dedicated to this initiative. I firmly believe that Paide can be a powerful solution in combating period poverty and advancing menstrual equity, ensuring that menstruators everywhere have the products they need without stigma or barriers.
