New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) A feminine intimate hygiene brand that uses banana fiber to make sanitary pads has been awarded the Best Social Initiative on Menstrual Hygiene at the recently held 3rd Menstrual Hygiene Management India Summit. Is.
The Mata Amritanandamayi Math Project ‘Saukhyam’ reusable pads are made by women self-help groups across different states of the country in recognition of the brand’s endeavor to empower women in rural areas.
The company said that these menstrual pads, made of banana fiber and cotton fabric, cost just one-tenth that of traditional pads.
Health experts also now recommend cloth sanitary pads for a healthy menstrual cycle.
Five years ago, a survey by WaterAid India and UNICEF claimed that more than a third of girls in South Asia drop out of school because of a lack of toilets and sanitary pads in schools. Dr. Swadeep Srivastava, founder and president of Heal Foundation, said, this led to the prevalence of the word poverty.
Despite solid evidence about chemicals being absorbed into the body and reproductive harm, women are often very hesitant to choose good quality sanitary products. About 355 million women in India need sanitary pads and most of them are in rural areas.
With awareness and by making reusable menstrual pads accessible, women can be empowered to choose what suits them, Srivastava said.
Considering the health benefits and safe use of reusable pads, Dr. Radhamani K, Professor and HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, said, As there is increasing awareness about chemical additives in disposable pads, re : The usable variant is being favored. More. As long as they are properly washed and dried, reusable sanitary pads are completely safe.
“Disposable pads are also harmful to the environment. The absorbent material in such pads is cellulose fiber that is obtained by cutting down trees. Switching to reusable options for intimate care also saves trees and in turn the climate. Coping with change helps,” she said.
Soukhyam reusable pads have also been honored with the Most Innovative Product Award by the National Institute of Rural Development.
The project was lauded at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (2018) in Poland for its sustainable financing mechanism.
Last year, NITI Aayog honored Soukhyam with the Woman Transforming India Award.
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