The three girls launched their own small business, called "Struggirls". The project aims to provide vending machines for women's sanitary products to restrooms in public buildings.
To that end, the pupils compiled a questionnaire to determine the best strategy for their business. Carmen Meyers explained: "We wanted to know what people think about prices and whether they would use the vending machine if available. We also wanted to know if they would be willing to pay more if the products were environmentally sustainable."
Struggirls already has a social media presence and uses the online platforms to advertise its vending machines. They have two different types, both designed to be installed in publicly accessible restrooms.
Eduarda Ferreira elaborated on the differences between their machine types: "One can be activated via reusable chip, which means that, for instance, high school students would each get one at the beginning of the year and could use it whenever needed. The other machine is a standard vending machine that is activated with coins."
Struggirls is further advocating for free access to sanitary products in high schools. They believe it to be a necessary step forward, given that both tampons and pads are still taxed as luxury goods in Luxembourg. They also want to help destigmatise the issue of menstruation.
Lena Ruts addressed the problem: "I believe some people are put off because it involves blood and they think it is revolting. But that is the issue, they do not dare speak about it and treat it like something illegal. It is about time that people realise that every woman bleeds once a month."
The three students are already in contact with Minister of Equality between Women and Men Taina Bofferding, who publicly supports the project.
