Women cops encouraged to switch to menstrual cups

They work long, unpredictable hours and often find no place even to change their sanitary pads

A campaign to help women in the police department maintain menstrual hygiene has entered the second year.

Workshops, seminars and WhatsApp groups are steering the initiative to encourage them to switch to menstrual cups from sanitary pads.

“We had a training session on the impact of using silicone-based sanitary pads on the environment. We have a nodal officer in each division to help women clear their doubts,” says Nisha James, deputy commissioner of police spearheading the initiative.

Long and strenuous working conditions result in many women in the police force developing infections and rashes.

“They are posted in areas where there is no place even to change their pads. Menstrual cups can be worn for a long time. The tension of staining or not being able to change does not arise,” she says.

Sharing her experience, Kathyayini Alva, police inspector, Sanjay Nagar station, remembers her experience when her team was going after a criminal.

One thing led to another and an operation that began one morning culminated only the next morning at 5 am. “It was that time of the month and I couldn’t find a place to change,” she recalls.

The team was in a car and moving through a village. “ Most of our operations are sudden and unplanned. I found it hard to spot a place to change. This is where menstrual cups come in handy,” she says.

Women police personnel often don’t drink water as they don’t find toilets easily. “They develop dehydration and urinary tract infections,” she says.

Dr Hemavathi Srinivasan, gynaecologist, is part of the awareness drive. “Women in the police force have to stand long hours, and premenstrual and menstrual symptoms can certainly drain them of their energy and taken an emotional toll,” she explains.

International Justice Mission, Bengaluru, is one of the organisations working on the mission. “We began our efforts to educate women frontline workers even before the pandemic set in. Our WhatsApp groups helped women stay connected and share their concerns,” says Prathima M, head, strategic engagement.

Anitha Rao, airhostess-turned-social activist and an expert on menstrual hygiene management, understands the difficulties of following good menstrual practices amid long hours of work.

“We spoke to women personnel about the problems of not paying attention to good hygienic practices,” she explains.

The campaign was started by Inner Wheel Club of Bangalore Blossoms.