Delhi women get condom vending machines

EASY ACCESS: The vending machines have been installed at four of Delhi’s hotspots.

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New Delhi: In an attempt to popularise female condoms, vending machines have now been installed in some places in Delhi.

The first of its kind, the machines have been have been installed at four of the capital’s hotspots, and made it all the more easier for women to buy cost effective female condoms.

And the procedure to use it may not be complicated at all.

“All you have to do is insert a Rs 100 note in the machine and the pack automatically comes out,” says a customer, Poonam.

One pack of Velvet costs Rs 100 and contains three pieces. Though HLL has made female condoms cost effective, the big question is who is their target consumer and have they really been able to make it popular among women?

Says General Manager, HLL, S G Sridhar, “Now women are more independent and progressive, and they can make their choices.”

The female condom like the male condom has its advantages and disadvantages. But it certainly lets the woman take her own call if her partner refuses to use a condom.

“By choosing ti use female condoms, women protect themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases," says gynaecologist, Dr Nirmala Vijaykumar.

A lot still needs to be done as far as awareness and acceptance of the product amongst women is concerned.

And what do the women have to say about it?

“It’s a great idea and I don't mind my partner using it,” says a customer.

“It will take some time but now women are becoming more and more aware,” adds another.

While another says, “It depends on how user friendly it is.”

Where the male condom had failed, the female condom is seen by social workers as a reliable substitute, not only from the health perspective but also as an empowerment tool for women to avoid unplanned pregnancies.