Redefining menstrual hygiene management with menstrual cups through project Thinkal; from self care to environmental resilience

Proper management of menstrual hygiene is a topic of interest among women and is a requisite to the well-being of women and adolescent girls worldwide. But lack of information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices creates a culture of taboos leading to a big barrier in the path of menstrual hygiene management. A menstrual cup (M-Cup) is considered as an ideal green substitute for the disposable sanitary products. Being economical than disposable ones, M-Cup has several benefits compared to other menstrual management products mainly long term use and environmental sustainability. However due to several factors, such as affordability, accessibility etc., the level of awareness among the public is less. A programme was launched to curb menstrual waste, to create awareness and encourage women to use menstrual cups, and to ensure proper menstrual hygiene by distributing M-cups free of cost. The programme have reached out to more than 5, 00,000 beneficiaries across India including the tribal population of Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka etc. and studies are being carried out to analyze the acceptability, adaptability and usage of such an insertion device like M-Cups. By promoting M-Cups and empowering menstruates with knowledge and resources for sustainable menstrual hygiene management, the programme aims to achieve women empowerment, substantial carbon footprint reduction, preserve natural resources and enhance public health.