The area in the Haut Plateau of South Kivu province has been hard-hit over the last 5+ years due to tribal conflict in the region. Thousands have been displaced, living with incredible hardship, huddled around primitive UN encampments for protection. Fortunately, peace has become the longing of all the tribes in the region which means those having lived as displaced will soon be moving back to their home villages after all these years to rebuild.

Education is key to equality and self-confidence in rebuilding communities. However, adolescent girls in Congo begin missing 4-5 days of school every month once they start menstruating. They stay home those days and end up falling behind their peers. This is just one aspect of inequality inherent in a system that prepares these isolated women to stay trapped and uneducated in a cycle of oppression.

The solution to this problem is relatively simple: Pads. But it is more than this. We are also working to remove the stigma and taboos around women’s menstruation and normalize it as a regular and noteworthy biological occurrence.

The high-quality kits cost $10 to produce using a strong material called PUL for plastic shields, and local young women in Itombwe are making the kits, further empowering local women to earn an income in an area where there are few other economic opportunities.

The kits include:

• Two pairs of underwear

• Two waterproof underwear shields

• 8 washable, reusable pads

• A plastic bag for transporting and washing used pads

• A knapsack for carrying books and the kit to school

• Picture instructions

All money donated to this fundraiser will be used to support the Hero Women Rising, Keep Girls in School initiative which provides girls in rebuilding communities with menstrual hygiene resources, ensuring they receive equal opportunities in education and learning!

Truly, any donation counts and can mean one more girl provided access to resources and opportunities. Help us provide these wonderful girls and women with the quality education they deserve. Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated!