Been using the period cup for 2+ years now, & it has been a game changer.
However, I do have an observation about how a sustainable menstrual products are based on individualistic model of health rights- which might be counterintuitive to making these solutions accessible.
However, I do have an observation about how a sustainable menstrual products are based on individualistic model of health rights- which might be counterintuitive to making these solutions accessible.
Carrying an extra sanitary pad is second nature to anyone who menstruates. And one thing we are never stingy about is giving away these pads & tampons to whomever who needs it in the moment. "Do you have an extra pad?" is seldom met with a no.
Since getting the cup, though, I no longer carry extras.
Which also means menstruating to me is now an entirely individual thing. No one is expected to carry spares for a village..
Which also means menstruating to me is now an entirely individual thing. No one is expected to carry spares for a village..
.. but what cups & other sustainable methods do instill is the notion that solutions are individual, instead of community-oriented/based.
Sanitation should be community-based. Period.
Sanitation should be community-based. Period.
In countries like Sri Lanka, where period cups raise eyebrows (to say the least), pushing 'sustainable' products without due consideration of both culture & what it means to bleed in the absence of proper infrastructure and knowledge might cost us more
'Sustainbility' is a loaded word, a concept engineered to put the onus of mitigating environmental harm onto individuals to efface its real culprits (corporate greed, capitalism, overconsumption).
"Sustainability" is meant to attract customers who can afford it.
"Sustainability" is meant to attract customers who can afford it.
Period cups are great & I wouldn't go back on this choice. I also do think Sri Lankans who menstruate need more options - and safe, empathetic spaces that allow them to make informed choices.
But - when we propose solutions & attempt to change things, it's good to be cognizant of what 'sutainability' means, and its applicability to us.
Menstrual hygiene is, and has to be, treated as a community-based issue. Period.
Menstrual hygiene is, and has to be, treated as a community-based issue. Period.
This is obviously a very random stream of thought that I've been sitting on for many moons. @purpleskiiess 's original Tweet just brought it to the surface lol.
And personally, I think the period underwear is the best thing to have been invented!
And personally, I think the period underwear is the best thing to have been invented!
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