She Matters-support 500 Nigerian Damsels with Pad

"The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated." We cannot but thank you immensely for your kindness, generosity, and expression of solidarity to our project, "GIVE 500 GIRL-CHILD PAD IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, LAGOS (54356)".

In our last report dated June 12, we haven't made much progress as regards to receiving support in carrying out our humanitarian services for, "GIVE 500 GIRL-CHILD PAD IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, LAGOS (54356)"

During the September #littlebylittle campaign 12-26 we received few support, though not inclusive in this report. Disbursement from GlobalGiving are yet to arrive, looking towards any moment from now, GlobalGiving will send as usual for the continuation of our humanitarian services. In our next report you will see how your donation was used in our humanitarian assistance in Girl-child pad in rural communities.

Here is the little income we were able to receive and how it was used for our humanitarian services:

Income:
a) In-kind contributions= $185.45

b) anonymous donor= $75

c) proceeds from social enterprise sales = $260.25

d) Balance of income brought forward of last expenditures = $1.76

Grand total of income= $522.46

Below is a short description of some of the humanitarian relief you have supported us with and how your donation was used.

Expenditure:
i ) workshop and seminar presentation on girl-child personal hygiene = $150

ii ) appreciation to three (3) volunteers= $100

iii ) buying of pad for international girl-child day celebration = $300.

iv) Five dozens of T-shirts =$185

v) designing of Banner and graphic artist = $75

Grand total of expenditures = $810

Deficit = $287.54

As we earlier mentioned in our last report, during the course of our interactions with women and girls in rural communities, we realized that access to menstrual hygiene products is a major challenge facing women and girls in developing countries and is an aspect of water, sanitation and hygiene that is often overlooked. Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products can often mean that women and girls have considerable difficulty in going about their lives during menstruation and can be almost entirely restricted to the home, both due to practical reasons and the stigma frequently attached. In our interactions also, we found out that girls in low-income settings miss or struggle at school during menstruation if it is not possible for them to effectively manage their menstrual hygiene. In rural communities, it has been found that 95 per cent of girls sometimes miss school due to menstruation. Safe, accessible menstrual hygiene products have a considerable positive impact on women and girls’ occupational, social and educational capacity.

During our visit to schools, we found out that, facilities where menstrual hygiene products can be changed with dignity are frequently not provided in schools, or teachers may not grant students permission to use them. Women and girls who could afford to buy menstrual hygiene products may also be reluctant to do so from shops, which are often run by men, due to stigma. They may depend on their husband or father to provide them with funds to buy disposable pads, which may be withheld. The main menstrual hygiene products currently available are disposable pads, reusable pads and the menstrual cup. However, the cost of disposable pads often means that they are inaccessible to women and girls in resource poor settings. It can also be challenging to ensure a consistent supply of disposable sanitary products in rural areas, particularly those affected by conflict.

We are also celebrating this year's international girl-child day on October 11, for convenience we shifted the date on the 15th October to accommodate all children (girls). We will be visiting schools during the week, then on weekend we go to rural communities.

As the crises rages on, insecurity, uncertainty, and humanitarian needs abound. We are committed to providing humanitarian and long-term support to rural communities.

Once again, thank you for your generous donation to GIVE 500 GIRL-CHILD PAD IN RURAL COMMUNITIES, LAGOS (54356) that supported these efforts.

Moreso, #givingtuesday campaign is right around the corner, November 29, we will be grateful to partner with you on that special day. We will also give you update as the campaign approaches through our project appeal letter as a reminder for the campaign exercises. Thanks for considering our organization and proud to partner with us.

With Kindest regards,

Samonyemaechi humanitarian.