A small panchayat in Kerala has taken up a project to make all women in the panchayat switch to menstrual cups from sanitary pads.
Palakuzha grama panchayat in Ernakulam district distributed free menstrual cups to all women as part of the its annual plan for the financial year 2022-23.
The panchayat decided to implement the project in a big way after they found sanitary pads causing environmental pollution and additional financial burden to the families. “After consulting with each family in the panchayat, we found that a family had to spend at least Rs 500 every month for buying sanitary pads. The families were also finding it hard to dispose of the used sanitary pads. They either burn it or bury it causing environmental pollution. So we decided to introduce the menstrual cup project. It also ensures hygiene, ” panchayat president Jaya K A told “Open Digest”. “
The project is being implemented in collaboration with Palakuzha Kudumbashree Kendra and Kudumbashree Gender Resource Centre.
The panchayat has set aside Rs 26,000 for the project. “We are getting good response from the people. Many have switched to menstrual cups. We have also launched a special awareness campaign. Members of Kudumbashree will visit each household to explain the advantages of using the menstrual cup and how it will be beneficial for them,” Jaya added.
There are widespread concerns and misconceptions among the general public regarding the menstrual cup. Majority of the doctors now recommend women to use a menstrual cup as it has more advantages than a sanitary pad. An article published by Apollo Hospitals has highlighted the benefits of the menstrual cup.
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