Show of hands as to who reading this stands up to pee? Now lower your hand if you are a guy. Not seeing a lot of hands left! Recently there was an article in this newspa­per about a ‘period subscription box’ which, among other things, includes a Pee Buddy. Yes, I know that usually women do go to the bathroom in pairs, but it’s not that kind of buddy! This one is made of cardboard. None the wiser? Well the idea is to place the funnel shaped device under the urine stream, directing it to the toilet (or bushes). Yes, I have heard of similar things, and I am sure there is something like this for female soldiers. But the article goes on to say this is all about hygiene. No more worrying about dirty toilets, just unzip and… Unzip? So not really the best idea if you are wearing a skirt/ sari/ lungi (unless behind a closed door)? The article also men­tions throwing it in the dustbin after use. Dustbin? In the bathroom that was too dirty to use in the conven­tional manner? According to the article you pull your knickers aside to use the funnel. Easier said than done if attached to your knickers is a sani­tary napkin. Sounds like it could get a little… err, not so hygienic.

 Are we not building more barriers between the Kathmandu ‘elite’ and rural woman who can only dream of monthly chocolate and soft toys?

Which leads us back to the period subscription box. This is seemingly for “college students and profession­als who don’t have time to pamper themselves during their periods”. Contained within these boxes are not only sanitary napkins, but surprise gifts (the picture is a teddy bear), menstrual hygiene items (I’m see­ing hand sanitizer in the picture), snacks and chocolate. These boxes are then ordered for home delivery. Obviously these professional women are incapable of going out to buy sanitary napkins, or their own choc­olate, and enjoy monthly treats of soft toys. There was also something called “instant period stain remover”. I wonder what that could be? So far no menstrual (diva) cup or tampons (which would be easier to use with the Pee Buddy surely) come with the box.

 

On the topic of the diva cup, I am sure these are extremely useful. In countries with water, hot water (boil­ing is recommended before storing for next month), and with toilets hygienic enough that we can actually sit on them! And, countries where they aren’t obsessed with virginity. Is one still a virgin if one uses a diva cup? Well, yes of course, but many cultures may disagree. Then there is the whole issue of insertion. How many Nepali women reading this (be honest) actu­ally know what their body feels and looks like? And how many women in rural areas (where these things are currently being pushed by the Kathmandu feminist crowd) have the privacy necessary to practise with the cup; the water to clean it, a pot culturally acceptable to boil it in, and a safe place to store it?

 

Plus a husband or father who won’t faint or lash out? And, I’m sorry, but being a woman who has lived in places without proper toi­lets, I cannot see how the hygiene part works (where to throw the blood, rinse the cup, etc). Plus speak­ing from experience, it’s bloody (sic!) difficult to insert something made of silicone. (Lubricant supplied?)

 

Leaving hygiene and virginity aside, are we not building more barriers between the Kathmandu ‘elite’ (home delivery of the period subscription box at Rs 650, Rs 1,199 and Rs 2,500) and rural woman who can only dream of monthly chocolate and soft toys? But kudos for trying. Now work on mak­ing something accessible for all. But as for those taking diva cups to rural areas—pushing your agenda isn’t the way to promote inclusive women’s rights. #equi­tablerights #allwomenmatter #itsaper­sonalchoice