Let’s Talk Menstrual Cups.
This article has been written by 19 year-old CEO and Founder of Moraka, Shuari Naidoo.
(We want to acknowledge that not all women have periods and not everyone with a period is a woman, no matter your menstrual status we see, respect and validate you)
The health, wellbeing and equity of menstruators are vital to our world. In these changing times, people are asserting their views on global issues such as period poverty, and access to period products. I started Moraka, in 2019, under the Young Enterprise Scheme, when I was 16.
I was inspired by my mother Nemsha Naidu who wanted to start a menstrual cup business but didn’t feel it was the right time however I decided it was time for change.
I saw that women were missing out on opportunities due to a lack of accessible period products. Being an entrepreneur and a woman of colour has allowed me to learn business skills and foster my passion for health in an environment that is not always welcoming.
Menstrual Cups are small reusable period products that hold the blood rather than absorb it.
Moraka Menstrual Cups last ten years, saving the environment from 5000 tonnes of product landfill. The average menstruator uses 11,000 tampons in their lifetime. Furthermore 90% of period product packaging is non recyclable contributing to pollution in the ocean and in our waterways Menstrual Cups also save the monthly cost of period products.
It is estimated that using a menstrual cup for ten years could save you approximately $3,600 to $4,800 in disposable sanitary products over that time.
Menstrual Cups are compact, easy to use, hold more flow than pads and tampons and only need changing about every 4-8 hours (depending on the heaviness of flow). Moraka cups can hold up to 24ml (size small) to 30ml (size large) which can make your period feel lighter or shorter.
Furthermore it is very easy to clean a menstrual cup. Simply place your cup in the microwave or on the stove in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before, during and after your cycle to sterlise your cup.
I started Moraka because I felt other period product companies priced their cups extremely high (around $30-$90) which I felt was inaccessible to middle to lower income users. We price Moraka at $20 which is less than other menstrual cups in the market.
I am passionate about ending period poverty & addressing the societal stigma of periods.
Period Poverty is a serious issue in New Zealand. According to Kidscan, 1 in every 2 Kiwi menstruators have suffered from Period Poverty. Periods are a normal bodily function and are not disgusting. The way in which periods are perceived influences the kind of products that are available for people. Periods are often spoken in hushed voices as it is a ‘woman’s’ issue. As a result, people are less likely to have open conversations about issues pertinent to periods such as products to manage periods or the lack thereof.
In turn, the stigma surrounding periods has a very disturbing consequence - period poverty. People who can’t afford disposable period products may use other unsuitable alternatives such as socks, plastic bags or even bleed through their clothes. People who can’t afford basic period products to adequately manage their periods may miss out on their education and other important life opportunities.
No person should ever have to go without the basics or miss out due to a normal bodily function. Period poverty represents gender inequity and highlights elitism in our society. I hope that by running a menstrual cup business I have created a platform for education around both menstrual cups and ending the stigma of periods in society.
Period equity has become a global movement. This is due to increased social awareness through social media, organisations and government initiatives. The global movement is primarily driven by younger people. The period movement will continuously grow and I hope Moraka Menstrual Cups becomes a normalised period product in society.
How can menstrual cups become more popular? Spread the word and normalise both menstrual cups and periods in society. People need to know about menstrual cups before the idea is cemented in their minds. A social media post or just a mention in a conversation can make such a difference for people who are struggling with disposable period products or want to try something different.
‘Moraka’ means freedom of body and expression. This is how I want people to feel when they use a menstrual cup.
