Change Initiatives: Instead of Sanitary Pads Kerela Government to distribute 5000 Sanitary cups for free – God of Small Thing

3-7 days of every month for women is very painful.  Only a woman knows, what she goes through at that time. Talking about the menstruation, in some cities, women don’t even know about pads.  Tampons and menstrual cups are quite a big deal for them.

What are sanitary cups?

A menstrual cup is a feminine hygiene product that is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Menstrual cups are usually made of flexible medical grade silicone and shaped like a bell with a stem. The stem is used for insertion and removal. The bell-shaped cup seals against the vaginal wall just below the cervix. Every 4–12 hours (depending on the amount of flow), the cup is removed, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted. After each period, the cup should be boiled for at least 5 minutes and stored for use the next month.

How to use a Menstrual Cup?

A cup distribution initiative?

Kerala government has started project thinkal to make everyone aware of the menstrual cup. Under this project, they will distribute 5000 menstrual cups to women.

Generally, we see governments doing these types of projects.  But, this one not only benefits women but the environment also.

Menstrual Cap vs Sanitary Pads:

Pads get costly at times.  Buying pads on a monthly basis is not something which everyone can afford. This initiative will help in saving the money that can’t afford it and are in need of something like this. Alappuzha municipality of Kerala has started this initiative to serve the environment and women who are in need. They are doing this project in collaboration with the CSR initiative of Coal India Limited.

“An average woman uses at least 160 pads a year. An average cup works for 5-6 years.  If women start using cups then it will save so many pads and money also”the front office of Alappuzha municipality and the Kudumbashree office at Kaichoondimukku”, said by the S. Jahamgeer, the municipal secretary of the municipality.

Not anyone can have access to the cup easily. In order to get a cup, a valid ID card and contact details will be submitted by that person.

The distribution is taking place at the front office of Alappuzha municipality and the Kudumbashree office at Kaichoondimukku.

Period, end of the sentence.

A documentary which reflects the real problem of menstruation in India.  That documentary won the Oscar award. The film was documented in the Hapur village of U.P. Anyone can clearly analyze that in India, knowledge about periods is on below average level. Half of the women don’t know the reason for this and half think it as some curse. Not only this, but they were feeling shy while talking about it. They barely have any idea about pads.  Menstrual cups and tampons are out their leagues.

Knowledge about these things is really important. This is not any other unimportant problem but this is the lifestyle of a woman. And, we are really proud of Alappuzha municipality for coming forward and taking such small and precious steps. To aware every single woman out there, they have started this initiative. Where can you watch the documentary? Here is your answer

Padman

This movie brought global attention to our country.  Not to say but this movie created quite a buzz back then. Akshay Kumar just played the role of that person. But, the one who is making pads, in reality, is the real protagonist of life. But the main thing is – Do you know, pads are made up of cotton and plastic. Plastic really harms our environment. It is better to opt for cups which saves money, time and the environment. Cups are not easily available at the stores.  That’s why they took help with the CSR initiative of Coal India Limited.

All women out here: We have something for you: here is How You can have good health (Basics ): Explained – God of Small Thing

We love how the government takes care of such small things. This is not the first time when Kerala’s Alappuzha district has done something commendable. Last time they made headlines for coming up with the solution to deal with solid waste management.

We do need people, organization and government like this. We choose them to take care of us. No need to say but they truly have made their way to our hearts.

Looking at the initiative taken by them is so beneficial in every factor. We hope the government keeps coming up with such projects in the future.

What do you think about this initiative? Did you like the idea of distributing menstrual cups?

Do let us know in the comment section below!