Indian-Origin UK Woman To Launch Reusable Underwear For Periods

Despite awareness, the stigma around menstruation is yet to disappear. A large number of girls still can’t afford pads and tampons. Considering this, a London-based woman has decided to launch reusable underwear. Reusable underwear will allow women to manage their periods without pads.

Manjit Kaur Gill, who came up with the idea, is the CEO of Biniti International. They will be launching this great initiative on 28 May to mark the Menstrual Hygiene Day.

They will be launching this first in the UK and then in Punjab. She said,“We will first launch in UK on May 28 and then in July we will be launching the reusable underwear for women in Punjab."

A large number of women don't have access to, or can't even afford basic feminine hygiene products. So, Gill decided to introduce this low-cost initiative. She speaks of how a large number of girls in Punjab couldn’t afford to wear sanitary napkins. Also, in rural areas, women don’t have access to sanitary napkins and still use sand-filled socks during periods.

Also: On Menstrual Hygiene Day: Shattering some old myths

The reusable underwear

Bamboo fibre is used for making the reusable underwears. To enlarge the part of it, a gusset or a large piece of material is sewn inside. This helps in absorbing the liquid, and hence can be used as a pad. The reusable underwear also comes with a padded liner which can be used for heavier periods. These are reusable. Also, there are strings at the sides, thus, making it easy to take it off quickly.

Gill said, “With an opening at the side, one doesn’t have to take the bottom off but just need to pull it to the knees.”

Also: Cloth Pads: Not an Embarrassment, but a Progressive Step.

Gill stressed that menstruation is a taboo in our culture. She alleged there were various myths attached to a woman’s period in Punjab. Menstruation is impure and during that time, they can’t visit Gurudwara, can’t touch anything and so.

She said, “We are told that women can’t go to temple, can’t do sewa in Gurudwara, can’t touch this, can’t touch that, we are dirty, the menstrual blood is dirty, it makes the crops go bad if we touch them, the men will get sick if we touch them etc. etc.”

“We say we are equal but are ready to talk about periods in Punjab.”

She said they were working with an Indian company to make this cause feasible.

Also Read: Five Women Debunking Myths And Creating Menstrual Awareness

Deepali Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV