Inspite of making inroads since 1980, Female Condoms or Femidons have found low takers, especially in India. Femidon, is an exclusive way to empower women and prevent transmission of diseases. While the metros are growing at a rapid pace, why is this female initiative neglected, even by the elite, is an unanswered question. And Wishesh looks into the various issues that has made us shy away from this most effective global product.
As we celebrate the first international day to promote the contraceptive, something neglected by the society, is worth mentioning. Statistics show alarming figures by the main manufacturer of the femidons, HLL Lifecare Ltd in technical collaboration with Britain's Female Health Company (FHC). As per HLL nearly three million femidons were marketed last fiscal year and that was in no comparison to the 1,500 million male condoms marketed by the same company. Why this disparity when there is a general slogan that there is no gender inequality.
Reasons for low female condom sales: The main reason for low figures, is due to the male dominated population. These figures look like a joke and as some say the femidon has become a taboo in the Indian culture, where bedtime secrets are mostly not discussed in the open. Inspite of the latest technology available the takers seem to be low. One of the main reason is the cost of the contraceptive when compared to the male counterpart, is pretty expensive. HLL markets the female contraceptive as 'Velvet', and a pack of three costs Rs 100 in the open market.
And the second issue that crops up is that most women are home makers and the decision to go, the family way rests on the hubby. This again keeps the women in the dark, always over the issue. Then the third point is that even for those women in jobs, awareness is a little low, as we discuss less on such issues.
Advantages of Female condom: The female contraceptives not only empowers the Eves, but also gives them a say in planning the family. It also gives a chance for the woman to lead a hygienic life, even if the partner is reluctant to use a male contraceptive. Femidons also prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STD diseases.
On the whole a gifted product with abundant advantages is being neglected by our society which speaks modern, but remains ancient. If the price is taken care by the government and brought down to the affordable level then the most happiest person in this nation would be the millions of women from all walks of life. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
