In a world where everything is so accessible - good and bad - it is hard to imagine there may be people who never heard about computer or internet, or don't even have access to electricity or basic sanitation. Even though it is hard to believe it, it is a reality in many parts around the globe.
A few weeks ago I got astonished when I heard young girls in Africa simply don't have access to sanitary napkins. Yes, you heard it right. In order to stem the flow of monthly periods, African women and girls use anything from rags, tree leaves, old clothes, toilet paper, newspapers, cotton wool, cloths or literally anything that can do the job, putting them at the risk of infections.
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| DFG |
Most girls from poor, rural communities do not use anything at all. During menstrual cycles they are forced to skip school. They basically wait in their room and sit on a piece of cardboard on their bed for three to four days. If they can, they arrange for friends to bring them food and water.
Faced with this sad situation, Celeste Mergens founded the nongovernmental organization Days for Girls. Their mission is to create a more dignified, free and educated world for these girls through access to Days for Girls feminine hygiene kit.
The kit contains a pair of underpants and a thin shield with a water resistant polyurethane liner that snaps under the panties so that it does not shift forward. It also contains eight flannel, tri-fold reusable pads that can be layered as necessary. Also included are a washcloth, a bar of soap for cleaning purposes, and two plastic bags for clean and soiled pads. The pads themselves are brightly colored and patterned and when washed, any slight stain is difficult to distinguish.
If properly cared for, the kit will last a woman from two to three years.
Best part: there is so many ways we can get involved and make the difference on these girls lives!
Do you know how to sew? You can help making kits. Don't know how to sew? You can donate washcloths, panties (Girls size 10,12,14, 16), gallon sized freezer Ziploc baggies and fabric. You can also volunteer or share your other talents. Just click here to take an action.
And you can always, always remember them in your prayers.