Mission SAMMAN (Social Awareness for Menstrual Management Alternatives and Need)

Habitat (www.habitat.org.in ) is a non-profit organization working towards building a sustainable ecosystem for all to thrive together. Our main focus areas are activities related to Climate Change, Education for All, Disability Rehabilitations, and Community Mental Health.

Habitat, Educational and Charitable trust in association with Suchitwa Mission is planning to conduct an awareness campaign for menstrual health, hygiene and alternatives. Mission SAMMAN (Social Awareness for Menstrual Management Alternatives & Need) is a pledge to advocate awareness to public about the adversities of using non-biodegradable sanitary pads which give rise to both environmental and health concerns. The waste generated by these pads has become a matter of great concern for Kerala in particular and the country in general. About 90% of every sanitary pad is plastic which sums up to 4 plastic bags. Sanitary pads disposed irresponsibly on the road side and adjacent water bodies find their way to our drinking water sources thus polluting and causing damage to the aquatic flora and fauna and causing pollution that threatens public health and life. These when disposed on roadsides become food for dogs and other stray animals and it is causing health concerns for them as well. Not only waste generation and related environmental damages but health and wellbeing of women is largely effected by plastic laden sanitary pads .On-going studies have reported incidence of genital cancer, infertility, ovarian cancer, thyroid malfunction and many more health hazards. Pesticides sprayed on cotton used to make these pads and dioxin used to bleach the sanitary pads along with the use of artificial perfume makes the sanitary pad a deadly tool that has led to the increased number of uterus removals for women between the ages of 35- 45 years.

As a part of the mission we desire to distribute menstrual cups to over 1,40,000 women who come from socially and economically backward backgrounds at zero cost. The campaign will ensure usage of another 3,60,000 menstrual cups from economically well-off people who lack awareness on the subject. The campaign will target schools, colleges, residents associations, apartment dwellers and female employees of companies/MNCs/PSUs etc. where they will be shown videos and documentaries on the adverse effects of sanitary waste once it reaches the landfills or when burnt/buried or even when thrown down the toilet drainage. We largely empathize with the Harithakarmasena workers who are the warriors of waste management deployed at ward levels to collect waste from households, construction workers, slum dwellers and females from economically and socially backward background without properly facilities while at work to change pads they suffer tremendously. Hence this campaign is focused on supporting them to a large extent.

When 5 lakhs women in Kerala who are part of Harithakarmasena, construction workers, slum dwellers. etc. and of economically well off background start using menstrual cups, they will become a symbol of motivation to millions of women out there who use non bio degradable pads. The highlight and end goal of Mission SAMMAN is to reduce over 36,000,0000 (36 Cr) pads from going to the landfills over a period of 5 years (Menstrual cups with a lifespan of 5 to 7 years will be given to these women). 

Mission SAMMAN (Social Awareness for Menstrual Management Alternatives and Need) is focused on not just handing over the menstrual cups but also a team of people will be engaged to monitor, train and periodically evaluate comfort and usage of the cups through reminder about the ill-health effects of plastic laden sanitary pads. The initial fear of inserting the menstrual cups is an unavoidable concern which cannot be neglected and this challenge can be mitigated through counselling in person and/or calls. This is to ensure that the initial fear is overcome by motivation and support given to them over a period of 1 year.

As a dynamic and versatile individuals who keep women's well-being and climate change in the forefront we urge your support towards Mission SAMMAN in making it successful for the benefit of the society and future generations. Let's collaborate! Wherever in the world you are. We can help you with counselling support in the post distribution phase and ensure that the women who receive the cups, USE IT!!

Please join hands for this global initiative! Be a change maker.