Seema Gupta at his residence in Dubai.
Image Credit: Clint Egbert / Gulf News
Dubai: When an Indian expat in Dubai experienced thorny gynecological issues she attributed to her chemical-coated sanitary napkins, she did not suffer silently from embarrassment by calling it a ‘woman’s burden’ . Instead, she decided to talk about it and do something for herself and for other women as well – making 100% cotton, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, chemical-free sanitary napkins! And all of this amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meet Seema Gupta, 37, an entrepreneur who created Orgabliss, an organic and affordable sanitary napkin for UAE women.
Belonging to a business family from Ludhiana, Gupta, a mother of two pre-teens, explained to Gulf News: “I felt that the issue of women’s health was as important or vital as the health problems exposed by the pandemic and that it needed immediate attention. Men talk all the time about their personal care products, aftershaves, razor blades and what makes for a perfect shave. However, women are often too embarrassed to talk about sanitary napkins or their monthly period and the associated health issues they face each month. I had frequent urinary tract infections. Therefore, I started to research this.
I would like to tell women, let go of your inhibition and feel free to discuss your health in a mainstream conversation. Prioritize your health over other mundane problems and take charge of it. You must set an example for your future generations.
– SEEMA GUPTA
His research has brought to light some disturbing facts. Gupta said, “After talking to many gynecologists and health care experts, I have discovered that many sanitary napkins are made of toxic substances and dangerous chemical ingredients. This is the root cause of the growing ill health condition. Being a woman, I understood how bad it is, not only for our own beliefs but also for the environment. Therefore, I decided to bridge the gap.
Gupta’s collection of evidence was first-hand. She took help from her sister-in-law in Ludhiana, India, who was ordering massive amounts of pure cotton sanitary napkins for personal use and for donation to female orphanages. “I switched to using these products and immediately felt great relief from my symptoms every month, with the incidence of UTIs drastically decreasing.”
Gupta started producing sanitary napkins and panty liners using special technology in India.
Break the taboo
It also got Gupta to think about the importance of organic sanitary napkins. However, the response from his friends was paltry to say the least. “When I told my friends about this plan, they just felt like I was stupid. Unfortunately, the mindset of most women today allows them to spend thousands on facials and designer bags, shoes, jewelry, or cosmetics, but don’t think much of a personal use item like a sanitary napkin like no one sees it. However, here is the point.
Gupta started producing sanitary napkins and panty liners using special technology in India. “My towels are 100% cotton. We use special Japanese SAP technology, which absorbs and locks in the liquid keeping the individual dry and odorless. We also use an organic tissue chip capable of releasing 6120 ions per cubic centimeter when this chip comes in contact with blood or water, it triggers the production of oxygen, keeping this private part breathable and destroying harmful bacteria. Not many people know that when a woman has her period, around four billion bacteria are released from the uterine walls. Our negative ion technology helps ward off infections, pain and cramps. It also helps promote proper rest and sleep at night.
Zero waste
“Plus, the biodegradable plastic and backsheet film leaves no carbon footprints, which helps keep Mother Earth safe for the long haul. It’s a win-win for everyone, ”says Gupta.
Stimulating message
Gupta, who got a really good response from UAE women, said, “I would like to tell women, let go of your inhibition and feel free to discuss your health in a mainstream conversation. Prioritize your health over other mundane problems and take charge of it. You must set an example for your future generations. “