May 28th is International Menstrual Hygiene Day

May 28th is International Menstrual Hygiene Day, so we would like to take the opportunity to raise awareness on the challenges women around the globe face when it comes to accessing appropriate menstrual products.

Zharity recognizes that the lack of access to menstrual products perpetuates inequality and restricts the opportunities for countless individuals. To address this pressing issue, in 2023 Zharity initiated a project to make reusable feminine hygiene pads. In 2023, our organization collected and prepared materials and sewed close to 500 reusable feminine hygiene pads that were sent to support the Cho Ngafor Foundation, an agency that sends these pads to women/girls in Cameroon. Having an established distribution network on the ground, our partner-agency can ensure that the menstrual pads reach those in need. 

After the success of our first program, we re-launched our efforts in 2024 and we have started making pads for the Nicolas Robinson School in Mekele, Ethiopia.  This school supports about 1500 students from pre-K to Grade 12, of which half are girls.  This part of the country has been affected by war, including their original source of reusable pads for the older girls in the school.  The school has provided a great amount of support to the children during the ongoing conflict and also provides education to their students about menstruation and feminine health in general. Sending reusable pads is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to menstrual hygiene, especially important for marginalized regions.  

Since the start of the year, we have sourced, prepared and sewn close to 200 reusable pads which will be transported to the Nicolas Robinson School by our Swiss contact in early June!  We will continue to make pads this year after summer pause- please be on the lookout for new material prep events and home sewing sign ups that will start in early Fall 2024!

Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovative solutions, we are breaking down barriers and transforming lives. Let us come together, unite our efforts, and create a world where menstrual health and hygiene is no longer a challenge, but a fundamental right for all. 

Besides the reusable feminine hygiene pad effort, Zharity has also been making essential hygiene kits for those in need - locally and internationally. Thanks to numerous donations, we have also been able to provide specific hygiene items to many of our different partner agencies to distribute to those in need. 

Your contribution is vital. Please consider signing up and donating some of those hygiene items listed on our agency wishlist.

Interested in more? Please check out our upcoming events.