Palakuzha Panchayat in Ernakulam district might be the first panchayat in the state to allocate funds to distribute menstrual cups to it's female citizens. The decision comes out of the consideration that access of sanitary pads not only causes a financial burden on the marginalised sections of society but also poses environmental threats due to improper disposal.

KA Jaya, President of the Palakuzha Panchayat said that a family has to set aside nearly Rs 350 to Rs 500 every month for purchasing sanitary pads.

To resolve both of the aforementioned issues, the decision to introduce the menstrual cup was flagged. The life expectancy of a menstrual cup is around 10 years. In this case, the family need not spend a large amount of money on this matter.

The Panchayat will implement the project with the association of Palakuzha Kudumbashree Kendra and Kudumbashree Gender Resource Centre. It has set aside Rs 26,000 as part of it's annual plan for the financial year 2022-23.

In the initial stages of the project, it is being planned to distribute nearly 100 menstrual cups to women in the Panchayat. Awareness campaign programmes need to be introduced to eradicate the taboos prevalent in society over using the cup. As of now, some eighty women have registered for the project. A door-to-door campaign with the help of Kudumbashree workers is being carried out to teach the advantage of cups.

This programme will further raise awareness about sustainable feminine hygiene.

Let's extend our support together in helping and spreading the cause. Breaking taboos will make society a better place to live in. The theory of 'equals' should now have a pragmatic expression.

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Reference:

• newsindianexpress.com
• shethepeople.tv