UBCO Feminine Kits for Zambia

We are a group of fourth year nursing students currently working on a leadership project at UBCO. We are working with Days for Girls in Kelowna – an organization that promotes the wellbeing of women through providing sustainable feminine hygiene kits to women and girls in need. Our final clinical practicum will take place in Mongu, Zambia, where we will be distributing the kits, in March of 2018. 

We are fundraising to purchase and bring as many feminine hygiene kits as possible to Zambia. The kits provide enough reusable feminine hygiene materials for a girl to use for up to three years. The materials are breathable and absorbent, and the dark colours help camouflage staining. The kits cost $10 each to make here in Canada and we are using 100% of funds raised to purchase the kits. 

Why is this important?
These feminine hygiene kits play an important role in allowing girls to stay in school longer, pursue opportunities, and eliminate the shame and taboo nature surrounding a woman’s period. Studies suggest that for every year a girl stays in school her income can increase from 10-20%, she is less likely to get married before the age of 18, and is more likely to have less children (Days for Girls, 2008). We will be educating girls about sexual and reproductive health, as well as emphasizing their rights as women.

How you can help?
By donating just $10, you can help a girl stay in school for three years without having to drop out because of her menstrual cycle. 

Any donations or shares on social media are greatly appreciated and can make a huge difference in the lives of girls in Zambia. Please visit www.daysforgirls.org to learn more about their incredible work. Also, please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions or inquiries.

Thank you so much for your generosity – please follow our blog in the spring to watch how your donation will impact girls in Zambia.
https://ubconursesinzambia.blogspot.ca

We appreciate your support,

Ella Van Neutegem, Lauren Dyck, Erin Anker and Kelsey Hammond


References:
Days for Girls. (2008). Retrieved Nov 15, 2017 from: https://www.daysforgirls.org/mhmresearch