In the heart of Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal district lies a small village called Imlia, which has achieved something extraordinary. It has become the first village in India where an astounding 90 per cent of women have embraced menstrual cups, marking a ground-breaking milestone in the country's menstrual hygiene landscape. This transformative change has been spearheaded by the determined efforts of Seema Verma, a dedicated advocate for women's health.
For years, the women of Imlia had been using cloth during their menstrual cycles due to the unavailability and high cost of sanitary pads. However, when Verma arrived in the village a year ago, armed with the revolutionary idea of menstrual cups, she faced scepticism and resistance. Undeterred, she tirelessly counselled each woman individually, spending hours explaining the benefits and dispelling myths surrounding menstrual cups. She provided cups to the women and encouraged them to try them out, asking them to demonstrate their usage by walking confidently while wearing the cup. Over two months, she followed up with each woman, addressing any concerns and even arranging medical consultations for those experiencing difficulties. As a result and through the course of a year, Verma has managed to convince 90 per cent of the women in Imlia to embrace menstrual cups as a safe and sustainable alternative.
Seema Verma, an MTech graduate from MANIT, Bhopal, and the wife of a retired naval officer, had previously made significant contributions to cleanliness initiatives during her husband's posting in Andaman, which earned her a National Award. After her husband's retirement, she decided to channel her passion for women's health and hygiene by working with the women of Imlia village. It was her daughter's friend who inspired her with the idea of menstrual cups, purchasing the first six cups with her salary.
The impact of this transformation in Imlia Village extends beyond personal hygiene and affordability. The use of menstrual cups offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the women themselves. According to the Menstrual Hygiene Alliance of India, out of the estimated 336 million menstruating women in India, only 36 per cent currently use sanitary pads. The rest continue to rely on cloth, leading to inadequate hygiene and increased risks of miscarriage, pregnancy complications, and cervical cancer. By adopting menstrual cups, the women of Imlia have not only improved their well-being but also significantly reduced their environmental footprint. While a woman may generate around 125 kg of waste from sanitary napkins in her lifetime, using a menstrual cup eliminates the production of non-biodegradable waste.
The cost-effectiveness of menstrual cups is also noteworthy. Over a period of ten years, a woman typically requires around 11,520 sanitary pads, costing approximately ₹ 1 lakh. In contrast, a menstrual cup, with a lifespan of ten years, costs a mere ₹200-250. The economic advantage, combined with the cups' sustainability and improved hygiene, makes them an empowering choice for women in Imlia.
Want to more about menstrual cups? Here you go:
What Is A Menstrual Cup And Should You Consider Using One?
How To Use A Menstrual Cup: Guide For Beginners
5 Must-Buy Menstrual Cups In India