MANILA- Feminine hygiene remains a challenge in many poor countries and is not getting the attention it deserves, according to founders of a company that aims to deliver an alternative menstrual hygiene product to women in poor communities worldwide.

Sisters Rebecca and Vanessa Paranjothy, cofounders of Singapore-based 'Freedom Cups,' lamented that while women in developed countries have access to tampons and sanitary pads, millions of women in less-developed countries still have to use leaves during their monthly period.

A cheaper and more environment-friendly alternative is the menstrual cup, the sisters told ANC's Cathy Yang on the sidelines of the Forbes Under 30 Summit.

According to the Paranjothy sisters, each cup lasts up to 15 years and replaces about 5,000 disposable sanitary products.

The sisters said they introduced their product to underprivileged communities in the Philippines, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.