Smart Kojin: Generative AI and IoT for Menstrual Hygiene

Menstrual hygiene management remains a significant challenge in many schools, particularly in low-resource settings where access to sanitary products and supportive infrastructure is limited. Inconsistent availability of menstrual hygiene products can lead to discomfort, missed school days, and long-term impacts on girls’ education and well-being. Many schools lack reliable systems to monitor stock levels or ensure timely replenishment of sanitary products. Smart Kojin addresses this issue by combining Internet of Things (IoT) technology with artificial intelligence to create a data-driven system that ensures the consistent availability of menstrual hygiene products in educational institutions.

The solution uses IoT-enabled sanitary product dispensers installed in school washrooms. These smart dispensers are equipped with sensors that track product usage and remaining stock levels in real time. Whenever students use the dispensers, the system records data on consumption patterns and inventory status. This information is transmitted to a centralized digital platform, allowing school administrators and program managers to monitor availability remotely. By automating stock monitoring, the system helps prevent situations where students cannot access essential menstrual hygiene products due to empty dispensers.

Artificial intelligence plays a critical role in analyzing usage data and supporting inventory planning. AI-driven dashboards process data collected from the IoT devices and generate insights about product demand, usage trends, and refill schedules. For example, the system can identify patterns in product consumption across different schools or time periods and predict when supplies are likely to run out. These predictive insights enable administrators to plan timely restocking, reducing waste while ensuring that supplies remain consistently available.

Smart Kojin also improves operational efficiency and transparency in menstrual hygiene programs. Through centralized dashboards, school administrators, local authorities, or nonprofit organizations can track the performance of multiple dispensers across different locations. Alerts can be generated when stock levels fall below a certain threshold, prompting maintenance teams or suppliers to replenish supplies. This data-driven approach replaces manual monitoring systems that often lead to delays or inaccuracies in supply management.

Beyond logistics, the system contributes to improving menstrual health awareness and school attendance. Reliable access to sanitary products helps reduce stigma and discomfort associated with menstruation, allowing girls to participate fully in school activities without interruption. Ensuring consistent product availability can also encourage schools to adopt more supportive policies around menstrual health and hygiene.

Ultimately, Smart Kojin demonstrates how the integration of IoT and AI technologies can address practical challenges in public health and education. By enabling real-time monitoring, predictive supply management, and centralized oversight, the system helps schools maintain reliable access to menstrual hygiene products and supports a healthier, more inclusive learning environment for girls.

For additional context and detailed documentation of this use case, please refer to pages 113-120 in the attached Casebook.