Shibuya Initiates Pilot Study for Sanitary Napkin Dispensers in Public Facilities

Shibuya Ward's Bold Move: Sanitary Napkin Dispensers in Public Spaces

In a landmark initiative, Shibuya Ward, led by Mayor Ken Hasebe, in collaboration with the Shibuya Future Design Association and Uni-Charm Corporation, is set to launch a pilot study aimed at implementing sanitary napkin dispensers across public facilities. Starting from October 15, the pilot aims to create an environment where women can thrive without the anxiety that often accompanies menstruation. This endeavor also addresses the pressing societal issues of period poverty and the challenges women face due to a lack of access to menstrual products.

Overview of the Pilot Study

The primary goal of this pilot is to ensure that women can handle unexpected menstruation with ease while also providing support to those who may face economic barriers in accessing these essential products. To ensure sanitation and psychological safety, the dispensers are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Each dispenser will contain individually wrapped and completely sealed packages of sanitary napkins, enabling users to access them discreetly.

Not only will this system cater to emergency situations, but it also aims to assist those who might struggle to purchase menstrual products due to financial constraints. The thoughtfully designed dispensers provide a non-intrusive way for women to access these necessities when needed.

Background for Implementation

The partnership between Shibuya Ward and Shibuya Future Design underscores a strong commitment to establishing a secure environment for women's empowerment. Initiated back in March 2022, the 'Our Wellness Action' project was launched to promote women's health, with menstruation as a central theme. The significance of this initiative became particularly apparent during the 'Social Innovation Week' in 2023, where the campaign, themed 'Overcoming Period Poverty,' highlighted the intertwined issues of economic hardship and the gaps in information and understanding concerning menstruation and women's health.

In collaboration with Uni-Charm since January 2023, Shibuya Future Design has been conducting workshops aimed at broadening life planning options for residents, workers, learners, and visitors in Shibuya. This pilot is a vital part of the broader effort to nurture a supportive community.

As part of this pilot project, Shibuya Ward will conduct surveys to gather feedback from residents, referred to as 'Shibuya citizens,' to better understand their needs and develop initiatives aimed at alleviating the challenges women face in accessing menstrual products.

Locations and Duration of the Pilot Study

Dispenser Locations (Total 22 Locations):

1. Shibuya Ward Office (Udagawacho 1-1)
2. Central Library (Jingumae 1-4-1)
3. Nishihara Library (Nishihara 2-28-9)
4. Tomigaya Library (Kamiyama 1-46-2)
5. Honmachi Library (Honmachi 1-33-5)
6. Rinkawa Community Library (Hiroo 1-9-17)
7. Yoyogi Library (Yoyogi 3-51-8)
8. Sasazuka Children's Library (Sasazuka 3-3-1)
9. Hatagaya Community Education Center (Hatagaya 2-50-2)
10. Ebisu Community Education Center (Ebisu 2-27-18)
11. Hasehato Community Education Center (Ebisu Nishi 1-23-4)
12. Sendagaya Community Education Center (Sendagaya 1-6-5)
13. Kamiyama Community Education Center (Kamiyama 3-13-8)
14. Sports Center (Nishihara 1-40-18)
15. Higashi Health Plaza (Higashi 3-14-13)
16. Daikanyama Sports Plaza (Daikanyama 17-9)
17. Sarugaku Training Gym (Sarugaku 12-35)
18. Honmachi CC Community Center (Honmachi 4-39-1)
19. Friends Honmachi Children's and Youth Center (Honmachi 6-6-2)
20. Shibuya Childcare Neubola (Udagawacho 5-6)
21. Shibuya Inclusive City Center (Iris) (Sakuragaoka-cho 23-21, Cultural Hall Owada 8th floor)
22. Citizen Service Center / Shibuya Lifelong Active Network (Shibuya 2-21-1, Shibuya Hikarie 8th floor)

Duration

The pilot will run from October 15, 2023, to December 26, 2023.

About the Shibuya Future Design Association

The Shibuya Future Design Association is a collaborative organization that designs solutions for social challenges based on diversity and inclusion, gathering ideas and talents from individuals living, working, learning, and visiting Shibuya. By presenting new urban living possibilities to the world from Shibuya, the association aims to contribute to the sustainable development of Shibuya Ward and society at large. For more information, visit Shibuya Future Design.