In Kolkata, there is a lack of public washrooms, especially in the metro stations. Even the existing ones aren’t clean, period friendly and gender neutral. There is also an absence of pad vending machines which again poses a problem for menstruators. In a survey done in the months of September and October, 2020, it was found out that at least 4 out of 5 menstruators in Kolkata suffer due to this, especially the ones who use public transport like metros daily. 

"My Red Story" encourages people to come forward and sign this petition to intensify our demand for a clean, gender neutral and period friendly washroom in a public space especially in Kolkata metro stations. It is the need of the hour to initiate conversation regarding the awareness, acceptability, availability, affordability, accessibility, and quality of menstrual hygiene products and facilities. 

While there are multiple policies for menstrual health and hygiene, they do not take into account the needs of the transgenders and gender nonconformists. There is also a severe lack of public washrooms for transgender and gender non conformists. Hence, we request our Chief Minister to make sure that there are public washrooms in all metro stations which should be accessible to all including the transgenders and gender nonconforming people. At the same time, these washrooms should have basic facilities like clean water, dustbin, handwash, and there should be adequate lighting and locks in the washrooms to ensure safety and privacy.