Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 27: The industry sponsored workshop by NUINS sought to promote awareness of sustainable menstrual hygiene and equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt menstrual cups as a practical and eco-friendly option.
The Vriddhi Industry-Academia Collaboration, NUINS, conducted a workshop sponsored by O’hygia LLP Bengaluru, on ‘Sustain menstrual hygiene by Empowered Use of menstrual cup” on November 23, at University Auditorium, Paneer Campus, Deralakatte Mangaluru. The inaugural session started with a prayer, and the organizing secretary, Prof Sujatha R, welcomed the gathering.
Prof Dr A N Parameswaran, director of Industry Institute Collaboration at NMAM Institute of Technology, was the chief guest. Dr R Narayana Charyulu, principal of NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was the guest of honour. Prof Dr Sabitha Nayak, vice principal, NUINS, Prof Dr Jacintha Veigas, institution lead, Vriddhi IIC, NUINS, Prof Sujatha R, member IIC NUINS, resource person Dr Vismaya Kaveri, assistant professor at Father Muller Medical College, Bindu Anil Kumar, director O’hygia LLP, Anil Kumar K, B CEO, Lozet Pharma Bengaluru, and the representatives from the participants joined along with the esteemed guests in lighting the lamp & inaugurating the event.
Prof Dr A N Parameswaran and Dr R Narayana Charyulu in their inaugural addresses, underscored the importance of sustainable menstrual hygiene and how academia-industry partnerships can effectively address critical health challenges and promote social well-being.
Dr Vismaya Kaveri provided an in-depth overview of menstrual health, debunked common myths, and discussed the significance of maintaining good menstrual hygiene, how to insert and remove a menstrual cup with lecture, demonstration, and return demonstration. Anil Kumar K, discussed on chemistry behind sanitary products, shedding light on the chemical composition of various menstrual products, including the presence of dioxins, furans, volatile organic compounds, and phthalates.
He also emphasized the importance of choosing eco-friendly alternatives like menstrual cups, aligning with the message of ‘Think green, act green.’ Later an exhibition was organized to showcase various menstrual cups and related products, giving participants a first-hand look at the available options for sustainable menstrual care.
The workshop was aligned with SDGs 3, 5, 6, 12, and 13 by promoting menstrual health, gender equality, and sustainability. It emphasized menstrual cups for better wellbeing, eco-friendly waste reduction, responsible consumption, improved sanitation, and climate action, fostering informed choices and reducing environmental impacts while addressing social and health inequalities. A total of 201 students and 6 faculty attended the programme.
Outcomes
The workshop concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants had an opportunity to address their queries and clear doubts. The workshop served as a significant step toward promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene practices among the young ladies and empowered both the ladies and men participants through education and awareness, setting a benchmark for future initiatives in the field. The initiative was highly commended for its practical approach and its relevance to advancing sustainable health practices. At the end Prof Dr Jacintha Veigas, institution lead, Vriddhi IIC, NUINS, proposed the vote of thanks.