Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SJM)

Mangaluru, Sep 11: State health and family welfare and district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, officially inaugurated the extensive distribution of menstrual cups under the Maitri Menstrual Cup scheme, a part of the Health and Family Welfare Department, on Monday, September 11 at Nehru Maidan.

In his address to the audience, Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, "This program is specifically launched to raise awareness among women about the importance of menstrual hygiene. In the year 2013-14, the Suchi scheme was initiated to empower women during this critical stage of their lives. Under this scheme, the government distributed free sanitary napkins to girls studying in classes 6th to 12th in government schools. This initiative has reached and benefited countless females in the state. However, for the past three years, this project was put on hold, and females were not provided with sanitary napkins. This year, we have decided to restart this scheme. The primary goal is to encourage females to use menstrual cups during their menstruation, allowing them to travel freely to their educational institutions, participate in sports and other activities, and promote their mental well-being. Starting from October, we will distribute sanitary pads to 40 lac girl students."

"The second goal is to reduce waste and make menstrual hygiene practices more eco-friendly. Above all, the main purpose is to empower women, enhance their health and hygiene, and ensure that their financial well-being is not compromised. There is also a need for a social change in people's perceptions. The age-old belief that menstruating women are impure and the stigmatization of women during their periods must be completely eradicated. Initially, many females and their mothers were hesitant to use menstrual cups due to various misconceptions. However, as they started using them, they found them to be the safest option, and many were encouraged to switch. Today, approximately 15,000 females in Dakshina Kannada, including Chamarajanagar districts, will receive menstrual cups. In the coming days, we will also extend our reach to different parts of Karnataka," he added.

Speaker U T Khader remarked, "This program not only aims to empower females but also seeks to reach all women, especially those from poor and middle-income groups, providing them with the benefits enjoyed by the upper class. It focuses on maintaining good health and preserving the environment. I urge all teachers and ASHA workers in the district to become promoters of menstrual cups, encouraging females to use them and bring about positive change in society. We must always strive to spread positivity and leave behind negativity. Every woman should make the best use of this scheme and other initiatives aimed at societal development."

Renowned actress Saptami Gowda, known for her role in the show Kantara, emphasized, "In today's world, we see women excelling in all fields. Menstruation should never hold them back. I was a sportsperson, and during my school days, we were provided with sanitary pads. However, the biggest challenge we faced was the disposal of these pads. Menstrual cups have made the disposal process easy and safe. Empowering mothers is essential to eliminate negative perceptions about using menstrual cups. Previously, students used to miss classes during menstruation, but with menstrual cups, they can use them for up to 8 hours without fear of leakage. Since menstrual cups do not contain harmful chemicals, they are also eco-friendly. It is crucial to engage in open discussions about these topics."

MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, Health and Family Welfare commissioner D. Randeep, director Dr M Indumathi, MLC Manjunath Bhandary, project director Dr Srinivas G N, associate director Dr Rajeshwari Devi H R, deputy director Dr Veena V, and mayor Sudhir Shetty also participated in the program.