The Kozhikode Corporation launched the SAKHEE (Social Action by Kozhikode Corporation for Healthy and Excellent Environment) project on Thursday (April 3) under the joint aegis of the standing committees for Health and Welfare.
The project involves the distribution of menstrual cups to women across the city, encouraging better menstrual hygiene. At the same time, it aims to reduce non-biodegradable waste by supporting the shift from sanitary napkins to menstrual cups.
“The less the use of sanitary napkins, the less the amount of waste,” said S. Jayasree, Health Standing Committee chairperson of the Corporation, hinting at the pollution caused by sanitary napkins.
The first step is to distribute 60,000 menstrual cups among women in the city. “We are planning to distribute them through the Kudumbashree and Haritha Karma Sena workers. Menstrual cups will also be distributed to school and college students,” said P. Diwakaran, Chairman of the Welfare Standing Committee. The primary focus will be on married women below the age of 45. However, others can also avail the benefit upon demand and interest. “We also plan to launch an awareness campaign for this purpose. Some women are yet to know about menstrual cups and their uses. Classes will be held in all the wards,” Ms. Jayasree said.
Menstrual cups have been in use as an eco-friendly, pocket-friendly, and healthy alternative to sanitary napkins and tampons. Made of medical-quality silicone, these reusable cups are inserted into the body and offer women a level of comfort and freedom during menstruation that sanitary napkins often do not. The cups come in three sizes, suitable for unmarried girls, women above thirty, and those who have given birth.
Mr. Diwakaran said that the Corporation has set aside ₹1.79 crore for the project. Mayor Beena Philip launched the project on Thursday.
Published – April 04, 2025 07:51 pm IST
