Kumbalangi in Kerela leading India to a sustainable future



Rutba Iqbal / Awaz e Khwateen


One of the lesser- talked about feminine hygiene measures are menstrual cups, having been around for more than 80 years. These eco-friendly feminine hygiene products are in demand now - thanks to the environmentally conscious society. With various awareness and health campaigns all across India actively popularizing the idea of sustainable menstruation, menstrual cups have emerged as a product to minimize any impact on the environment.


Kumbalangi in Kerala's Ernakulam has achieved a major feat - it has become India's first sanitary napkin-free village. This after more than 5,000 menstrual cups were distributed to women and girls during an event on January 13.

It is pertinent to mention that Muhana in Alappuzha district of the state also has the distinction of being the first sanitary pad-free panchayat in the country.

The initiative is part of the Avaljayi (For Her) campaign organized by Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, HLL Management Academy through their 'Thingal' academy and Indian Oil Corporation Under the initiative, the local women were trained by volunteer for about three months regarding the usage and advantages of menstrual cups.

A normal sanitary pad or a tampon contains enough plastic that can take up to 500-800 years to decompose. The move will help in reducing plastic pollution caused by sanitary napkins and ensure personal hygiene for working women and students.

The campaign has won praise from many corners. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan was quoted by News18 as saying that "Kumbalangi is a role model for all villages in the country and such schemes would go a long way in empowering women." He also added that, “Our country will prosper only if our villages do."

Ernakulam MP Eden Hibi was also quoted by News18 saying that, “We have installed napkin-vending machines in many schools but often they created problems. Then this idea came up and we studied it in detail and sought expert advice. Experts said the cup can be re-used for many years and it is more hygienic."

The project was supported by many people including actor Parvati who supported the initiative.

According to a study published in the Lancet Medical Journal, over 70% of the women who tried using menstrual cups would continue using them. The findings bear importance as sanitary protection is still a taboo in many parts of the country and their unavailability can cause wider ranging issues amongst women including risk of Urinary tract infection. Initiatives like these help dispel myths about personal hygiene and can ensure more women adopt newer methods of sanitary protection.

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