CSOs Collaborate to Advance Menstrual Health and Sustainability

In a collaborative effort to address societal taboos surrounding menstruation in the Maldives, UNFPA Maldives, Soneva Namoona, and Zero Waste Maldives have joined forces for the ‘Enmena Engey Bodu Sirru’ project. The initiative aims to integrate menstrual health awareness with environmental sustainability.
Do you know about #EnmenaEngeyBoduSirru?
— UNFPA Maldives (@UNFPAMaldives) November 21, 2023
Discover how @UNFPAMaldives, #SonevaNamoona and @ZeroWasteMv aims to transform menstrual health and sustainability in the Maldives with this project.
Read the article here: https://t.co/0wyLrfGYwz#EEBS #ZeroWasteMaldives #UNFPAMaldives pic.twitter.com/zqvXimEnco
Initiated in 2019 with the “Cupvert” project, the collaboration expanded in 2022 with Soneva Namoona’s involvement. The project focuses on breaking barriers and fostering a balanced relationship between women’s reproductive health and eco-friendly practices.
The collaboration’s multifaceted approach combines the expertise of UNFPA Maldives in sexual and reproductive health, Soneva Namoona’s commitment to zero-waste communities, and Zero Waste Maldives’ efforts in waste reduction, climate change, and circular economy.
The heart of the project lies in its dedication to empowering women and girls with comprehensive knowledge about reproductive health while simultaneously promoting sustainable menstrual products. The initiative has already reached over 95 women and girls in the Maldives, providing them with alternatives to disposable menstrual products.
♻️ Rethink your cycle: A pack of period products has as much plastic as 4-5 grocery bags.
It's time for a change. Let's choose sustainable alternatives like cloth pads or menstrual cups and cut down on plastic.
Your choices matter. 🌏#EEBS #EnmenaEngeyBoduSirru @ZeroWasteMv pic.twitter.com/4eQPFpUb4D— UNFPA Maldives (@UNFPAMaldives) November 26, 2023
Faraha, a participant from Dharavandhoo, shared her transformative journey, highlighting the shift towards sustainable practices and the financial benefits of using menstrual cups. The project envisions a future where discussions about reproductive health become mainstream and where disposable menstrual products witness a significant decrease in usage.
With the collective strength of UNFPA Maldives, Soneva Namoona, and Zero Waste Maldives, the ‘Enmena Engey Bodu Sirru’ project sets the groundwork for a shift in how the Maldivian community perceives health and the environment.
For more information about the project and its impact, refer to the articles:
https://maldives.unfpa.org/en/EEBS-partnership
https://maldives.unfpa.org/en/EEBS-partnership-impact