The Hindu 24.09.2009
SHG starts making low-cost bio-degradable sanitary napkins
Staff Reporter
— Photo: S.Thanthoni
SHG members involved in the manufacturing of bio-degradable sanitary napkins at the unit in Ayanavaram on Wednesday.
CHENNAI: Members of Mother Rose self-help group on Wednesday started the production of low cost bio-degradable sanitary napkins. The group, which is supported by the Sornammal Educational Trust (SET), Chennai, will undergo 10 days of training to use the equipment and then begin manufacturing on a commercial basis.
The group got the opportunity following the SET joining hands with the SHE Trust of Kuwait for the Sahana project on Wednesday.
K. Pandia Rajan, Managing Trustee SET, said that the sanitary napkin industry in the world was worth over several million dollars and eco-friendly napkins had a smaller market, which the members of the group must tap. Around 200 women would be involved in the manufacturing and marketing of the product.
Hemalatha Rajan, Trustee, SET, highlighted the three important issues concerning women - health, education and vocation. She said that once women are economically empowered, health and education aspects would be automatically taken care of. She said that she had always dreamt of empowering women and that there were around 40,000 women in SHGs in Chennai, Virudhunagar and Madurai districts under the SET.
Writer Sivasankari, who inaugurated the project, urged the SHG members to make adult and baby diapers.
Latha Srinivasan, Managing Trustee, SHE Trust, said that women from underprivileged backgrounds could buy and use Sahana Napkins that would be available at an affordable price. The napkins come in different sizes and on an average cost Rs.15 per pack to make.
Mitran Devanesan, Trustee SHE Trust, said that sterilised wood fibre from tree plantations would be used in the napkins. The low cost mini sanitary napkin manufacturing machine has been supplied by Coimbatore-based Jayaashree Industries, which has won several awards, he added.
