Kerala Distributes 169,000 Menstrual Cups to Schools

Kerala is making waves with a first-of-its-kind program that treats both women's health and environmental health as equal priorities.

Starting January 20, the state will distribute 169,000 menstrual cups to students and women's groups while installing incinerators at 322 educational institutions. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal will kick off the program at a school in Veliyam, marking a major shift in how governments approach menstrual health.

The numbers tell the story of serious commitment. Every selected school, college, and Kudumbashree neighborhood group in 152 local communities will receive these sustainable alternatives to disposable products. Five higher secondary schools in each district are included in the first phase, with special focus on institutions with large numbers of female students.

The project tackles two problems at once. Menstrual cups offer a reusable, cost-effective option that lasts for years, while incinerators ensure safe disposal of any remaining disposable products. This dual approach recognizes that change happens gradually, meeting people where they are.

Kerala's Haritha Keralam Mission conducted extensive surveys to identify where these products would make the biggest difference. The initiative uses funding from the 2025-26 State Budget and partners with HLL Lifecare to ensure quality products and proper implementation.

But distribution is just the beginning. The program includes specialized workshops and awareness sessions to help beneficiaries feel confident using these eco-friendly products. Education matters just as much as access when introducing new health practices.

The initiative connects to Kerala's broader "Net Zero Carbon Kerala through People" campaign. By choosing reusable menstrual products, the state estimates it will prevent thousands of tons of plastic waste from entering landfills each year.

The Ripple Effect: This program does more than provide products. It normalizes conversations about menstrual health in schools and communities, breaking down stigma while building environmental consciousness. Young students learning to use sustainable period products today will carry those habits into adulthood, creating lasting change. The initiative also sets a powerful example for other states, proving that government programs can address social issues and environmental challenges simultaneously.

Kerala is showing the world that sustainable solutions work best when they improve people's lives right now, not just sometime in the future.