Innovative Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products in Nepal
In the tranquil region of southern Nepal, a women-run enterprise is leading a transformative movement aimed at replacing traditional menstrual products with sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance women’s health and protect the environment while challenging long-standing societal taboos surrounding menstruation.
The Miteri Jaibik Pad Udhyog
Located in Gunjanagar, Chitwan district, the Miteri Jaibik Pad Udhyog, or Miteri eco-friendly pad factory, has been producing both single-use biodegradable pads and reusable cloth pads since 2017. The factory’s mission is to counter common misconceptions about the affordability and hygiene of sustainable menstrual products.
Promoting Health and Environmental Awareness
Known as Miteri, meaning “chosen kinship” in Nepali, the factory’s products empower women by providing healthier menstruation options. Additionally, it raises awareness about the environmental impact of non-biodegradable disposable pads and fosters what advocates refer to as “green menstruation.”
Advocacy for Dignified Menstruation
“I grew up seeing women use unhygienic cloths during menstruation,” noted Radha Paudel, a nurse and advocate for dignified menstruation. She co-founded the factory with the Chitwan-based Active Women’s Forum for Justice, driven by a desire to create a social enterprise that respects menstruators’ dignity, benefits the planet, and remains affordable.
Production Insights
Inside their tin-roofed factory, a single machine has the capacity to produce approximately 8,000 pads each day. These pads are crafted from pinewood pulp sheets combined with cotton, and are packaged in bioplastic, ensuring that every aspect of the product is biodegradable.
Conclusion
The Miteri Jaibik Pad Udhyog stands not only as a business but also as a beacon of hope for women, symbolizing a shift towards sustainable menstruation practices that champion both health and environmental conservation.
