Eva Leads National Effort to Raise Awareness on Menstrual Health

October 1, 2024 at 6:23 PM

Through the “Eva Danamuthu Daru – Danagenama Lokuwemu” Program with the Ministry of Education and Sri Lanka Police

(From Left) Amila Jayarathne, Chief Inspector of Police, OIC – Prevention – Children & Women Bureau, Samanthi Renuka, Women Chief Inspector of Police, OIC – Children & Women Bureau, Lalith Abeysekara, Senior Superintend of Police, Director Children & Women’s Bureau, Roni Chacko – CEO, ICL Brands (Pvt) Limited, Suresh Srinivasan – Group CEO, Capital Maharaja Group, Selonica Perumal – Director – Marketing, ICL Brands (Pvt) Limited, Roshani Fernando, Category Head, ICL Brands (Pvt) Limited

Eva, the leading sanitary napkin brand in Sri Lanka, partnered with the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka Police and Team Hero Foundation to launch a transformative educational initiative titled “Eva Danamuthu Daru – Danagenama Lokuwemu” under the national program “Magaharunu Padama.” The “Eva Danamuthu Daru – Danagenama Lokuwemu” initiative aims to raise awareness about feminine health, puberty, reproductive health, and menstruation in over 3,000 girls’ schools across the island.

The inauguration of the “Magaharunu Padama” program was held on October 1st in honor of World Children’s Day, graced by the newly appointed Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, along with other delegates and officials from the Ministry of Education and Sri Lanka Police. This effort is designed to fill the gaps in education about areas often surrounded by stigma and misinformation.

Eva’s involvement in this initiative is a testament to its ongoing mission to empower women and children through education and promote period positivity. The brand’s dedication to fostering an informed society extends beyond its product offerings, as it steps into the role of advocate for breaking societal taboos. A key part of this initiative is the special edition of Eva sanitary napkins, featuring packaging with the helpline number 109, launched by Sri Lanka Police and Children and Women Bureau to support women and children facing violence. At the event, Eva handed over these limited-edition packs to the Sri Lanka Police and Children and Women Bureau, reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility. 

Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Roni Chacko CEO ICL Brands, stated, “At Eva, we believe that education is key to empowering future generations. By equipping young minds with accurate knowledge about their bodies and the natural changes that occur, we can help eliminate the stigma and misinformation surrounding topics such as puberty, menstruation, and feminine hygiene. This initiative represents an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to create a more informed and supportive society for all Sri Lankans.”

This program adopts a dynamic and engaging approach to ensure that students not only receive essential information but do so in a fun, memorable way. A series of edutainment videos will simplify the complexities of puberty, making the learning process both enjoyable and relatable. Complementing the videos is a well-crafted booklet, designed to break down these important changes into easy-to-understand concepts. Additionally, the initiative will launch an all-island inter-school debate competition, encouraging students to engage in thoughtful discussions on topics such as women’s issues and menstruation taboos. This platform aims to foster healthy, open dialogue and increase awareness among young people. To commemorate their participation, each student will receive a symbolic memento, reinforcing the value of the lessons they’ve learned and the significance of this educational journey.

Through “Eva Danamuthu Daru – Danagenama Lokuwemu,” Eva aims to break down the myths and misconceptions that surround menstruation and reproductive health. By fostering a healthier understanding of these topics, the program empowers students at a critical stage of their development. The initiative also seeks to create a safe environment where children can speak out against sexual harassment, and raises awareness on pregnancy and related issues, ensuring that students receive comprehensive education on these important subjects.

As the flagship brand of International Cosmetics (Pvt) Ltd. (ICL), Eva has consistently led the Sri Lankan market for over 36 years with innovative products designed for maximum comfort and hygiene. Reaching women across the island, Eva’s commitment to advancing menstrual education and promoting the wellbeing of women and girls is further strengthened through this initiative.

This initiative reinforces Eva’s leadership in menstrual health and advances its mission to empower Sri Lankan women and children with confidence and period positivity. By breaking taboos around menstruation, Eva is fostering open conversations and education, enabling women and children to reach their full potential free from societal stigma.