Vending machines for sanitary pads have been installed at three locations on CUHK campus.

The move, initiated by the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee, is a response to suggestions made by staff and students and aims to promote gender equality and well-being of female members of the university community.

It is a collaboration project with WomenX Biotech, a start-up founded by CUHK alumna Dr Choi Pui-wah.

Dr Choi, who got her bachelor’s degree and PhD from the Department of Biochemistry, has a research interest in the pathogenesis and screening methods of ovarian cancer. She was also the inaugural recipient of the CUHK’s Science Faculty Young Alumni Award in 2023.

The pad vending machines, with pads priced from HK$4 to HK$8 each, have been installed in the female washrooms on

• Ground Floor, Yasumoto International Academic Park (YIA)

• Ground Floor, Cheng Yu Tung Building (CYT)
• 7th Floor, Mong Man Wai Building (MMW)

The effectiveness of the pilot scheme and the locations will be reviewed in a year.

Dean of Science Professor SONG Chunshan said the Faculty of Science were glad to learn of the University’s collaboration with the alumna. “Dr Choi has exemplified one of our Faculty’s ideals – Learn Science to Better the World – by implementing her scientific background towards enhancing women’s health. Her company’s new collaboration would not only bring convenience and hopefully reduce stigma around menstruation, but reinforce the message that we aspire to create and maintain a vibrant, collegial, and friendly and inclusive environment for diverse faculty, staff, and students in our campus community.”