Mumbai: The Centre For Transforming India (CFTI), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to rural transformation, has launched its new initiative, “The Cup of Care”, aimed at providing low-income, middle-aged women in Raigad with affordable and sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. The campaign focuses on empowering rural women with menstrual cups, offering a dignified and long-term alternative to traditional sanitary products.
With 42% of women in Maharashtra still relying on unhygienic methods, the need for menstrual hygiene solutions is urgent. The situation is even more acute in states such as Uttar Pradesh (69.4%), Bihar (67.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (64.8%). High costs and lack of accessibility prevent many women from using conventional sanitary napkins. Menstrual cups, being GST-free, provide a cost-effective solution that is also medically tested for up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection, helping prevent rashes, infections, and discomfort—especially for women working in agriculture or informal sectors without access to clean toilets.
In addition to health benefits, the campaign addresses environmental concerns, as India generates over 113,000 tons of sanitary napkin waste annually, much of which remains unmanaged in rural areas. CFTI’s holistic approach integrates affordability, health, dignity, education, sustainability, and practical rural solutions into a single initiative.
Speaking about the campaign, Amit Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer at CFTI, said, “At CFTI, we believe true transformation begins with giving women the dignity and freedom they deserve. ‘The Cup of Care’ is not just a menstrual hygiene campaign; it is rather a movement towards long-term empowerment, sustainability, and change. Our mission is to reach every village that still struggles as we grow and to ensure that no woman in India has to compromise her health because of financial constraints. This campaign marks the beginning of a larger national effort, and we invite every citizen, organization, and policymaker to join us in building a future where menstrual hygiene is a right, not a privilege. ‘The Cup of Care’ is not just a project; it is the beginning of a behavioral and social transformation that will help women regain agency, dignity, and confidence.”
The Cup of Care Campaign aims to spark conversations around menstrual health, provide women with eco-friendly lifestyle choices, and encourage long-term use of menstrual cups—reducing waste while promoting health, dignity, and empowerment.
