Intimina helps bring menstrual cups to women in Gambia

Intimina are thrilled to announce details of our partnership with the Spanish medical humanitarian association Jatakendeya, who traveled to Gambia with 200 of Intimina’s Lily Cup menstrual cups to launch a menstruation education project.

Dr. Gálvez shows a Lily Cup to project participants.

The project was called “1 woman, 1 cup, 10 years of hygiene”, and its goal was to educate teenagers in three villages about how to improve their quality of life during menstruation and to show menstrual cups as a healthy alternative for period protection. Jatakendeya approached Intimina for a donation of Lily Cups to be given to the young women in these villages, and we couldn’t have been happier to say yes!

Through different workshops lead by Spanish gynecologist Gema García Gálvez and with the help of volunteers, the participants learned about the menstrual cycle and reproductive system, and how to use the cup. After each session, participants received a Lily Cup to take home with them.

Up to now, the participants had been relying on rags or pieces of paper for period protection. Dr. Gálvez felt that menstrual cups are the best alternative for period protection for these women because they collect menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. And since Lily Cups are made with medical grade silicone, they are completely healthy and reusable. Thanks to their new cups, the women will now be able to avoid infections caused by inadequate hygiene.

But for Dr. Gálvez, the project is about more than cleaner, healthier periods. As she explains, “menstrual cups have given them not only hygiene but also self esteem” and has offered solutions to issues that have plagued them and their periods for years. Because cups offer up to 8 hours of protection, they’re the best option for these women because they don’t need to worry about having easy access to washrooms – a problem in many countries. These women can now work and live their lives with total freedom. Plus, since Lily Cups last for up to 10 years, they are also a great way for women to save money.

We want to extend a huge thank you and congratulations to Dr. Gálvez and all the volunteers for their hard work, and thank you to Jatakendeya for allowing us to help with this incredible project!