Problem:

Menstruation is a biological process and there is lack of awareness and lots of myths and taboos associated with the same. As on 2019, more than 80% women use cloth as a menstrual product. There are various other menstrual products available in the market like disposable sanitary pads, cloth pads, tampons and menstrual cups. Sanitary pads and tampons are disposable and need to be procured each month at a particular cost to maintain menstrual hygiene. The underprivileged cannot afford these products each month.

The government has come up with various schemes with respect to sanitary pads for the underprivileged but unfortunately they are unable to reach the needy each month. Thus leading to unhygienic menstruation and other health related issues resulting from the same.

In her entire menstruation life cycle, 1 girl uses around 5000-6000 non-biodegradable (disposable) sanitary pads. And 1 sanitary pad takes more than 500 years to degrade. This not only has a negative impact on the environment but also leads to health issues due to the chemicals present in the sanitary pads. Since the pads are needed each month, there is also a dependency that is created.

Solution:

Upasana Society NGO is proposing the use of CLOTH PADS or MENSTRUAL CUP which can be reused for 2-3 years & 6-8 years respectively under the campaign Menstruation2019. Thus once procured/donated/bought, the dependency goes down drastically without affecting menstrual hygiene. In the long run, the cost of these products is much less as compared to disposable sanitary pads and tampons. And the impact on the environment is reduced to a greater extent.

The cost of cloth pads ranges between Rs.100/- to Rs.400/- & the cost of menstrual cup varies from Rs. 300/- to Rs.3000/-. These products are chemical free and the former being biodegradable.

The Menstruation 2019 campaign consists of:

1. Workshops for urban population to switch to menstrual cups & reduce use of non biodegradable sanitary napkins &

2.Donate cups to 2019 underprivileged women who cannot afford it & make them independent for 6-8 years.

This is an ongoing campaign to help as many underprivileged women as possible and at the same time spreading awareness among the masses.

Summary:

We are filing the petition to make an actual difference by implementing sustainable solution which will make the girls/women independent along with cost savings and reducing environmental pollution.

#MENSTRUATION2019