Economic times carried an article on an entrepreneur who has invented a machine for producing sanitary napkins. His pain, that propelled this invention, came out of abject poverty and unhygienic methods used by his lady family members during periods. Only 12% of Indian women use sanitary napkins and the
market is dominated only by two players - J&J and P&G. And
corporates are motivated towards profits (almost 1000% from each napkin)
and a part of the profit dollars converts to Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR).
It is refreshing to see a man talking on the subject in an uninhibited manner - a guy belonging to the below-the-poverty line(he calls himself that) trying to understand the complexities and the taboo around the subject.
He observes that napkins are covered in black plastics at shops as if we are smugglers. The fact that even his wife is averse to broach this topic with him made it more difficult for his research methods to succeed. He had to use medical-college women and himself as specimens to test out his techniques.
Where is the need for education and money to be empathetic towards women and understand unfair social norms and customs that are against women?
Watch him in this video - a truly inspiring one. To quote him - "No one dies because of poverty. It happens because of ignorance"
How many of us educated individuals are still living in ignorance? In fact, many men choose to live in ignorance on menstrual issues. Men choose not to learn or be empathetic towards women.
Related Posts: Being untouchable during periods
It is refreshing to see a man talking on the subject in an uninhibited manner - a guy belonging to the below-the-poverty line(he calls himself that) trying to understand the complexities and the taboo around the subject.
He observes that napkins are covered in black plastics at shops as if we are smugglers. The fact that even his wife is averse to broach this topic with him made it more difficult for his research methods to succeed. He had to use medical-college women and himself as specimens to test out his techniques.
Where is the need for education and money to be empathetic towards women and understand unfair social norms and customs that are against women?
Watch him in this video - a truly inspiring one. To quote him - "No one dies because of poverty. It happens because of ignorance"
How many of us educated individuals are still living in ignorance? In fact, many men choose to live in ignorance on menstrual issues. Men choose not to learn or be empathetic towards women.
Related Posts: Being untouchable during periods
loved loved loved this post...you are so right..I had a shopkeeper tell me, arey pehele black plastic mein toh daalne do!!! I am like I dont care...
ReplyDeleteI loved what you wrote and yes I read about the guy as well...
R's Mom
Thanks RM:).. this guy is a true visionary and deserves credit.
ReplyDeleteThis is great article Sam. Loved it. But i was not able to see the vedio. Maybe something is wrong with my internet. What's his name? He is a hero.
ReplyDeleteHe is a real hero.. rather than just talking he has gone ahead and created a difference
DeleteI was able to see it later. Inspiring
ReplyDeleteTruly inspiring! We need more innovators and there is a great scope to invent everyday things that make life easier!!
ReplyDeleteI think we miss out on a lot of socially relevant issues and run behind large god particles:)
DeleteWhat a courageous, innovative and inspiring man!! Loved this post.
ReplyDeleteyes IHM.. someone who could change lives of poor women.. in one more interview that was published in a newspaper he had told the media to reach out to poor women and explain them to use napkins:).
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