The Story of a Girl from Gaza
(Girls affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza receiving care and protection packages distributed by UNICEF.
Source: UNICEF)
Imagine your village is turned to ruins by war, and suddenly you and your family arrive at a refugee camp. In this terrifying situation, you have to struggle for survival every day, with limited food and water. It’s really hard, right? Now, let me share the story of a 15-year-old girl named Amira.
Amira, who lived in Gaza, lost everything because of the war. She barely made it to a refugee camp with her family, but more challenges awaited her there. She didn’t just lose her home and school. She also faced great difficulties in maintaining her dignity.
Whenever her period approached, Amira was filled with fear. Without access to sanitary pads, she had to rely on unhygienic methods, and even basic hygiene items like soap were in short supply. Discomfort and shame became a part of her daily life, and she began to feel ashamed of her body.
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Q. What is a Dignity Kit?
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(Source: MCC)
A. A Dignity Kit is what girls like Amira need. In situations of war, disaster, or refugee camps, even basic necessities can be hard to come by. A Dignity Kit is a box that contains essential items to help women maintain hygiene and dignity.
The kit includes sanitary pads, underwear, soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a towel. It also contains items like a whistle for safety. This kit does more than just provide basic supplies—it helps women regain their confidence and live with dignity, even in public spaces.
For example, in conflict areas like South Sudan, women who receive Dignity Kits can go to school or public places even during their period. This allows them to continue their education and avoid being marginalized from society.
What is a Dignity Kit?
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Menstrual Poverty: How Many Women Are Suffering?
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(Source: Missions Box)
Every year, millions of people worldwide become refugees due to war, natural disasters, or climate change. Among them, women and girls are particularly vulnerable.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 500 million women and girls are in a state of menstrual poverty, unable to access essential hygiene products during emergencies.
In refugee camps in Africa and Asia, the issue of menstrual poverty is especially severe. Women who lack sanitary pads are forced to rely on unhygienic alternatives, which increases the risk of infections.
What Girls Use Instead of Sanitary Pads
● Old Cloth
Women who cannot access sanitary pads use old clothes or rags. However, these rags are often not properly cleaned, leading to a high risk of infection. In situations where water and soap are scarce, women face constant health issues.
● Newspaper or Paper
Some women use newspaper or plain paper instead of sanitary pads. These materials have very little absorption and can irritate the skin, leading to infections.
● Leaves and Dirt
In more extreme cases, women use leaves or dirt as substitutes for sanitary pads. This is particularly common in rural or war-torn areas, where such methods pose serio us hygiene risks.
● Plastic or Vinyl
In some regions, women use plastic bags or vinyl as substitutes for sanitary pads. These materials can irritate the skin and, when worn for extended periods, can cause i nflammation or infection.
These unhygienic methods not only cause discomfort during menstruation but also expose women to serious health risks.
To Learn More About Menstrual Poverty, Read the Following Article! ↓↓↓ |
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NGOs Distributing Dignity Kits
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The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is one of the key NGOs involved in Dignity Kit distribution. In 2021, UNFPA delivered approximately 500,000 Dignity Kits to women and girls in 41 countries.
Recently, UNFPA has been active in conflict and disaster-stricken areas such as Gaza, South Sudan, and Yemen. For example, in 2024 alone, over 134,000 Dignity Kits were distributed in Gaza.
Other NGOs are also joining forces to address menstrual poverty by distributing Dignity Kits.
○ CARE International
CARE International is an international relief NGO that provides Dignity Kits in disaster and crisis situations around the world. In 2021, CARE distributed Dignity Kits in over 20 countries, including Yemen, Syria, and South Sudan.
(Source: Care International)
○ International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) operates in more than 40 countries, working to protect the rights of women in conflict zones and refugee camps. In 2020, IRC distributed Dignity Kits to approximately 1 million women in high-risk areas such as Syria, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
(Source: IRC)
○ Save the Children
Save the Children is an NGO dedicated to protecting the lives and rights of children and women worldwide. In 2019, Save the Children provided medical, educational, and protective services to over 35 million children, distributing Dignity Kits to about 1.2 million girls.
(Source: ATAA)
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How Can We Distribute More Dignity Kits?
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To provide more women and girls with Dignity Kits, we need to consider a few solutions.
1. Financial Support
Collaboration with not only international organizations but also private companies is essential. Global companies like Unilever, P&G, and Kimberly-Clark have partnered with the UN to support Dignity Kits. Expanding such collaborations would be a great step forward.
2. Technological Innovation
Menstrual products and other hygiene items can be made using recyclable materials or materials easily sourced locally to reduce costs. This is why technological innovation is crucial.
For example, in Kenya and Uganda, SOIL reusable sanitary padsare being distributed. These pads are designed to be washed and reused, making them more affordable than regular disposable pads, and they help address menstrual poverty.
In India, a startup called Saathideveloped biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber. These pads minimize environmental impact while offering the same convenience as disposable pads.
Another innovative example is the menstrual cup. Made of silicone, menstrual cups can be used multiple times and are environmentally friendly. They have become increasingly popular in regions like Ethiopia, Nepal, and Uganda, where long-term cost savings are a major advantage.
3. Culturally Tailored Kits
Providing kits that are culturally appropriate is also important. Understanding cultural differences and providing products that match those needs maximizes the effectiveness of the kits.
For example, in Nepal, where Hinduism is the dominant religion, women are often isolated during their periods due to cultural practices. Recognizing this, Dignity Kits distributed in Nepal include small portable flashlights to help women move safely during their period-related isolation.
In Ethiopia, where water is scarce, Dignity Kits include disposable pads instead of reusable cloth pads to address the challenges of washing and hygiene. This is a tailored solution that reflects the local circumstances.
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How to Get Involved in Distributing Dignity Kits
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There are more ways to help distribute Dignity Kits than you might think.
1. Donate
The most direct way is to donate to NGOs or international organizations that provide Dignity Kits. Through donations, more women and girls can receive the essential supplies they need.
UNFPA distributes Dignity Kits in conflict and disaster-affected regions worldwide. You can donate directly through the official UNFPA website.
• Donate to CARE International
CARE is another NGO actively participating in the distribution of Dignity Kits. By donating to CARE, you help provide kits to women and girls in emergency situations.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) also distributes Dignity Kits. Donations to IRC are used to provide hygiene kits and educational support to women and girls in refugee and conflict areas.
2. Raise Awareness on Social Media
You can create content about Dignity Kits on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved. Use hashtags like #DignityKit, #SupportWomen, #HumanRights, and #WomensEmpowerment to spread the word.
3. Participate in Volunteering
Volunteer Some regions actively recruit volunteers through NGOs to help prepare and distribute kits.
• UN Volunteers
By registering with the UN Volunteers program, you can partner with local NGOs to directly prepare and distribute Dignity Kits.
UN Volunteers
4. Start a Crowdfunding Campaign
Why not start a crowdfunding campaign to raise awareness and funds for Dignity Kits? You and your friends can use online platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter to spread the word and raise money for NGOs.
"Access to menstrual products is not a luxury; it is a right. Period poverty should not be a barrier to education or basic human dignity."
— Emma Watson, Actress and Activist—
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Written by: Director Yeonjae Choi
