Sirona’s period management awareness drive in Uttarakhand help 86% women switch to menstrual cups

New Delhi, February 09, 2023: The Sirona Hygiene Foundation, the CSR arm of Femtech brand Sirona, partnered with DivIn Pro, a strategy-driven support centre aimed at empowering marginalized communities, to complete a successful menstrual cup awareness campaign that impacted the lives of 3,100 individuals in Uttarakhand and converted 86% of women in the area to using menstrual cups. The drive focused on educating the public on menstrual hygiene and the benefits of using menstrual cups, followed by the distribution of 3,100 free cups sponsored by Sirona.

This initiative was unique in its efforts to reduce period poverty in rural areas of India and consisted of four steps to increase the adoption of menstrual cups. The project included conducting sessions on menstrual health and hygiene, inviting both men and health workers to participate. Participants received hands-on training on using the menstrual cup, followed by the distribution of free cups. Finally, local stakeholders provided follow-up support and a menstrual cup helpline was established to answer any questions users may have.

The project was carried out over the course of a year in 25 villages and 3 districts (Dehradun, Uttarkashi, and Tehri) in Uttarakhand, including Dhargaon, Kafolgaon, Dhansani, Lashyangaon, Taluka, Douni, and others. In Dehradun, the project was conducted in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Police Wives Welfare Association and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. In Uttarkashi, it was done in partnership with the Department of Women Empowerment and Child Development, and in Tehri, with the Mount Valley Development Association. The project is still ongoing in three districts of Uttarakhand and plans to expand to other districts this year.

This project was part of the larger "Project Lakhon Khwahishen" undertaken by the Sirona Hygiene Foundation with the goal of converting one lakh menstruators in India to using menstrual cups. The foundation's goal is to empower women with menstrual cups and provide safe and hygienic menstruation. DivIn Pro was responsible for executing the training sessions, menstrual support helpline, and successfully leading the project. The sessions were led by Dr. Aarushi Kehar Malhotra from the foundation, who highlighted the importance of sustainable menstruation and how it positively impacts lifestyle, reduces waste, has a positive impact on the environment, and is a cost-effective solution for period management.