The Cup of Life campaign, started by MP Hibi Eden next month, would provide one lakh menstruation cups free of charge at 100 locations in the Ernakulam Parliament seat within a 24-hour period in what is being billed as a groundbreaking venture.
It will begin on August 30 in the evening and end the next night. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Kochi and the Ernakulam district administration are both supporting the project, which is funded by Muthoot Finance as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
The project aims to raise knowledge about menstruation hygiene and the availability of menstrual cups that are affordable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
A two-month long awareness, artistic, and cultural programme will be organised at various locations as a lead-up to the programme. Six trained volunteers who will be stationed at these locations by IMA Kochi will dispel questions and provide instructions on how to use the menstrual cup.
Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, Mr. Eden claimed that the project went beyond simply providing menstruation cups and was a step towards the empowerment of women. He noted that it will help society comprehend the challenges faced by women during their periods.
Kumbalanghi Grama Panchayat developed a pilot project. All 17 of the panchayat's wards had awareness campaigns, and 4,000 cups were given out. According to Mr. Eden, the initiative's success led to a scaled-up campaign.
Aside from being economical because one cup can last up to five years, it also benefits the environment because India alone disposes of almost 12 billion discarded sanitary pads every year.
A planning committee for the event has been established, with Industries Minister P. Rajeeve and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan serving as principal patrons.
The effort made Alexander George Muthoot, managing director of Muthoot Finance, happy to be involved. Jafar Malik, the district collector, George M. George, the deputy managing director of Muthoot Finance, Junaid Rahman, the general convener of the Cup of Life organising committee, Maria Varghese, the president of IMA Kochi, and M.M. Haneesh, the vice president, were all present.
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