Nashik Zilla Parishad promotes menstrual cups for rural women
Nashik Zilla Parishad
has decided to initiate steps to encourage use of
menstrual cups
.
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The plan is to first teach
ASHAs
and
Anganwadi sevikas
about the use and benefits of menstrual cups. They will then take it to women in rural areas.
Nashik ZP CEO Ashima Mittal said, "The ZP has undertaken an initiative to take help from ASHA workers in understanding the use of menstrual cups— their benefits; and propagate use among the women."
"Medical-grade silicon menstrual cups have been in the market for a long time, but women, especially in rural areas, are less aware of those.
This is of great benefit to women, especially when compared to cloth or even pads used by them," said Mittal.
She said, "Initially, we will, with the help of gynaecological experts, teach our ASHA workers about the safety and importance of menstrual cups, train them in using them so that they are comfortable with the concept. They will be provided with the cups at subsidised rates. They will then take the message to the women."
On an average, a woman uses 100 pads per year. The impact on health and nature is incomparable. Considering these, a one-time investment in menstrual cups costing around Rs 500 is very low. It is a win-win situation for women, nature and economy, as a menstrual cup lasts for a longer period of time, the officer said.
The officer further stated that once the ASHA workers and Anganwadi sevikas understand the use of the cups, they will then take them to the masses.
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"When taking to the masses, the ZP plans to use the funds from CSR, innovative funds, or the district planning committee. We are seeking the help of the govt also in taking the message to the masses. This will be a major tool in the hands of the women to protect themselves against a large number of infections and other ill-health issues," said the officer.
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