Kerala governor Arif Mohammed Khan on January13, announced that Kumbalangi Island Village in Ernakulam, Kerala is all set to be the first-ever sanitary napkin-free village in the country.
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan talks about the initiative:
The Governor said, “Beautiful village Kumbalangi will be a role model for others. Schemes like this will empower women. If villages prosper, our country will prosper.”
“We have been working on it for many months. The Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Lifecare Limited Management Academy are partners in it,” he further added.
The achievement is part of a unique campaign that was initiated in Ernakulam constituency. As part of the initiative, menstrual cups will be distributed to women aged 18 and above. A total of 5000 menstrual cups will be distributed. According to MP Hibi Eden, the project is being implemented as part of ‘Avalkayi’ (for her) scheme being implemented in the Ernakulam parliamentary constituency. The other partners in the scheme are HLL Management Academy through their ‘Thingal’ scheme and Indian Oil Corporation.
As many as 5,000 menstrual cups have been distributed among girls and women and they have been given training by volunteers for three months about their use and advantages, said organisers of a campaign, “Avalkayi”.
Aim of the campaign:
Besides, the Governor describes the aim of the initiative is to make women aware of advantages of menstrual cups and dispelling their fears. He also said that the latest initiative will help reduce pollution caused by synthetic napkins and ensure personal hygiene to working women and students. He said many people, including actor Parvathi, have helped him to carry out the project.
Referring to the advantages the MP also said, “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,” said the young parliamentarian. Experts said menstrual cups are a safe option compared with other forms of menstrual hygiene. They said a cup, made of medical grade silicone and latex, can last up to 10 years and it is cost-effective and environment-friendly compared to different menstrual products. “We have to change with the times. After Kumbalangi, we will distribute them in coastal areas of Kochi and give training.”
About menstrual cup:
A menstrual cup is a type of reusable feminine hygiene product. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid.
These cups can hold more blood than other methods, leading many women to use them as an eco-friendly alternative to tampons. And depending on your flow, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours.
A cup can last for up to ten years if properly maintained. Unfortunately, there are several myths and stigmas surrounding the use of menstrual cups.
About Kumbalangi:
Kumbalangi located in the suburb of Kochi in Ernakulam district is a model tourism village. A model fishing village and tourism spot, the major attraction here are the Chinese fishing nets and fishing activities.
Kumbalangi is surrounded by backwaters. Chinese fishing nets cover the island and the village boasts of rich aquatic life. An array of mangroves separate land from water and provide for a good breeding ground for prawns, crabs, oysters and small fish. Palluruthy nearby is coming up in a similar manner. Kalagramam is an artist’s village that displays fishing equipment and handicrafts. Bait-fishing is extremely popular among tourists here.
