CB BureauFeminine hygiene brand Sirona collaborated with University of Petroleum And Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun, to educate their faculty and staff about the benefits of switching to a menstrual cup for period management and eventually make the varsity India’s first pad-free university.
The programme was led by Sirona Hygiene Foundation, which works on such initiatives that promote sustainable menstruation practices. Dr Aarushi Kehar Malhotra from the Foundation spoke to the educators and housekeeping staff at the university and explained to them the importance of sustainable menstruation – how it positively impacts lifestyle, substantially reduces sanitary-waste generated, and makes a difference to the environment. It is also a relatively economical option for period management.
Sirona first collaborated with the university in 2021, when it ‘cupverted’ the housekeeping staff there and helped them move to menstrual cups for period management. So far, five hundred individuals have been ‘cupverted’ in the university, as per the brand’s statement.
Dr Divya Rawat, assistant professor, UPES, and project coordinator for Sirona, spoke on the development: ‘Partnering with Sirona for creating the first pad-free university is part of our vision to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We believe that our teachers and students are ambassadors of change and can create a bigger impact when they share their experience about switching to menstrual cups. Our university has always supported initiatives that positively impact the academic community and society at large.’
Deep Bajaj, co-founder and CEO, Sirona said, ‘Our goal at Sirona is to not just provide menstruators with innovative products resolving their unaddressed intimate and menstrual hygiene issues, but also spread education and awareness to make them understand why they need to switch to sustainable, cost-effective practices for menstrual hygiene. Bringing about this behaviour change needs conversation at multiple levels, including assurance about the safety and benefits of switching to menstrual cups.’
Sirona products are toxic-free, allergy-fee, cruelty-free and vegan, and are Made Safe-certified.