The primary aim of my project is to replace sanitary napkins and tampons with menstrual cups on a mass level. For achieving this goal, the project encompasses two major tasks, 1) ground-level research on the use of sanitary napkins versus menstrual cups and 2) sensitization of the target group on the harmful effects of the use of sanitary pads and encouraging the substitution of pads with menstrual cups.

In a country like India, where there exist so many taboos around periods already adversely impacting the menstruating population, discussing menstruation becomes difficult. But it is an important topic that needs to be discussed. The project ‘Say Yes to Cups’ will intrigue people to think about not just the products they are using but in its fundamentals, aims at conquering the taboos around periods while making periods a conversation starter. Taking it a step forward, it is extremely important to address the issue caused by the most common menstrual product. 12.3 billion sanitary napkins are used every year in India. Pads amount to 113,000 tonnes of waste which goes directly into the landfills. Not only do they cause a harmful impact on the environment but have chemicals such as dioxin, used as bleach, which can cause hormonal disruption, thyroid malfunction, diabetes, endometriosis etc. Sanitary pads often advertise themselves as 'leakproof', with an impermeable plastic layer at the bottom of pads, the plastic traps moisture and heat, creating an environment that promotes the growth of yeast and bacteria. The consumers of products such as these need to be educated on the effects of these on our bodies and on the environment, while also ensuring agency of exercising the freedom of choice, and choice can also be exercised when people have the knowledge of the available alternatives.