Freedom Kit Bags, HELPING WOMEN IN NEPAL







Freedom Kit Bags is a charity providing sanitary wear to women in rural villages and poor communities in Nepal who do not have access to even the most basic provision. We take for granted the pack of pads or tampons thrown in the shopping trolley while these women make do with rags or even grass. In some cases, women are even forced to leave their homes to stay in out buildings whilst they menstruate. Freedom Kit Bags provide all women need to hygienically manage their period, giving women and girls back their dignity and freedom. They also run a public health education programme to help change the prejudicial attitudes to menstruation.


For only 25 pounds Freedom Kit Bags can give this gift to a Nepali woman. Sanitary protection has changed unrecognisably in my lifetime, we are fortunate now to have a whole range of choices including sustainable, reusable pads. I think all women can imagine how much worse our lives would be if we had to feel shame and suffer ostracisation due to our periods. For more information see https://www.freedomkitbags.org

Whilst recognising the huge gulf in provision for women between our wealthier societies and women living in poor, rural communities it is also pertinent to recognise a shameful situation existing today in Britain. It has become known as ‘period poverty’ and refers to women and girls in families too poor to buy adequate sanitary protection. Some are helped by food banks, others by sensitive and aware teachers but that such poverty can exist should shock us all.

Solutions are possible, the Scottish Government is looking at plans to offer universal access to tampons and sanitary ware and UK labour has proposed similar action. It takes will and political commitment and we should badger the Government until they realise this is a real problem, causing misery and distress and school avoidance and take action in response.



FREEDOM IN A BAG


Such a small thing,
a fabric bag, pulled tight
with blue ribbon,
bright patterned.
Within, the gift of freedom from
the monthly collective shame
inflicted on women whose
fate was foretold at birth.
The stain we share, uniting all,
mark of fertility, life-giving bleed,
made manageable, dignified,
a source of pride,
relief reflected in the
broad smiles illuminating
the rainbow scarfed women of Nepal. 
© 2017 Jacqueline Claire Knight.  All rights reserved. 

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