“ARI® the pad ATM” is an innovation by Inteco that utilises digitisation and IoT to enhance the equitable distribution of sanitary pads to school girls. The benefits of such innovation are the improved accountability and reduction of wastage which then allow more schools and girls to benefit.
1. Installing pad dispensers in schools
This self-service feature allows girls to access sanitary pads when they need it. The dispensers dispense one pad which devalues the item. Therefore, cases of reselling are eradicated.
2. The pad "ATM" card
A unique ID card that allows the girls to access the machines is issued. These cards are preloaded with the equivalent number of pieces in a packet ( i.e 8 pieces = 8 swipes).
3. Tracking
With our pad ATM, we can account for every single pad that goes through our system. Through our technology, we can tell if the girls have received their monthly provisions.
4. Audit
At the end of the year, we do a program audit which entails going through our historic data against class attendance to see if there has been an improvement.
5. We teach
We teach the importance of menstrual hygiene management, and we take them through the proper ways to use the pad ATM.
6. We collaborate
We bring together teachers, parents, and community leaders. By bringing all these stakeholders together, transparency of the sanitary pad program increases.
Gearbox® and Gearbox-Europlacer® have been involved in the pilot phase to design, prototype, and manufacture the concept. The partnership will also progress to mass manufacturing both the electronic module as well as the mechanical parts of the machine.