The newly formed Peddapalli district has emerged as the only district in Telangana State where over 90% of the women, including women Self-Help Group (SHG) members, girl students and others use sanitary napkins during their menstrual cycle.
Low-cost solution
Following reports about several women suffering from several health problems due to adoption of unhygienic methods during their menstrual cycle during the review meetings of health department, Collector A. Sri Devasena had pounced on the idea of production and distribution of low-cost sanitary napkins to all womenfolk in the district. So, she roped in women SHG Spoorthi and provided the necessary training and ensured a bank loan of Rs. 25 lakh under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme. This was topped up with Rs. 5 lakh from the Zilla Samakhya to start their unit on September 14, 2018.
The 21-member Spoorthi SHG started producing ‘Sabala’ brand sanitary napkins (of the women for the women) in the district and marketed through SHG women and village organisations.
The product? Of international quality of different varieties and at just Rs. 3 per piece. Now, the SHG members have almost repaid the bank loans and are even making profits. They are also getting a monthly wage of Rs. 5,000 and above for each member.
Free of cost
Incidentally, Ms. Sri Devasena had acted as the brand ambassador for Sabala napkins and promoted its sales and usage by educating women and girls at all the meetings. In a novel promotion, the Collector took measures to distribute 15 lakh sanitary napkins free of cost initially to encourage women to use them. Talking to The Hindu on Saturday, Ms. Sri Devasena said during her initial survey it was found that not more than 11% of women were using sanitary napkins and majority leading an unhealthy lifestyle. After the introduction of Sabala sanitary napkins, usage had crossed 90% and they are planning to ensure the remaining 45-plus age group women also used sanitary napkins for good hygiene.
Spreading the market
“We are creating good hygiene among the womenfolk and providing entrepreneurship for the SHG women by making them self-reliant,” she said and added that the district administration was providing all the marketing support, training and conducted awareness camps about the usage of sanitary napkins. Next target? Plans to expand the market of Sabala napkins in the neighbouring districts.
