First-Period Care Kit With Reusable Products Launched in Bengaluru

A new first-period care kit aimed at introducing puberty and menstruation to young girls through sustainable products and education was launched at Swachagraha Kalika Kendra in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The initiative combines reusable menstrual items, a storybook, and digital counselling to shift conversations away from period pain, fear, and embarrassment, framing menstruation instead as a positive milestone to be celebrated.

The kit includes an illustrated book titled ‘Growing Up Is Exciting!’, written by Malini Parmar and Smita, alongside a beginner’s menstrual cup, reusable cloth pads in multiple sizes, and a period panty. It also provides access to a mobile application offering AI-based guidance and support from experienced counsellors.

Rupal Ralph, a trustee at StoneSoup, stated that the kit was designed specifically around the needs of young girls to help them adopt reusable menstrual products gradually.

“The kit is designed as per the young girls’ age group. It starts with a book that talks about period positivity and love for periods. It also gives confidence to girls on what can be achieved during their periods through examples of women achievers,” Ralph said. She noted that the variety of cloth pad sizes allows girls to select what suits them, while the beginner’s cup is kept handy for when they feel ready.

The digital support component is designed to resolve questions that girls might hesitate to ask parents, teachers, or others. The application is available in regional languages to help users chat comfortably, overcome fear, and learn how to use and clean reusable pads and cups.

According to the organisers, the initiative has emerged from more than a decade of awareness programmes on sustainable menstruation conducted across schools, resident welfare associations, and underserved communities.