Days for Girls

Posted by Trudy Gallant on Mar 10, 2017
 
There could not be a more fitting presentation for International Women's Day ... but to hear from our own member Vida..on the topic of the Days for Girls organization.  Vida has been the founding President of the Canadian organization (with somehelp from Mike to manage all the legalities of
setting up) for the last 3 years.  She remains the lead for the local Port Moody team..which has its
 HQ's in her living room!
 
Vida showed us a great video that explains the impact to a young girl who does not have access to information or supplies to manage her monthly menstrual cycle.  In many places, girls have to make do with whatever materials they can find...leaves, mattress stuffing, old newspapers.  Not 
very sanitary..to say the least.  
 
This can lead to girls not being able to leave home and missing up to a week of school each month. As this continues, they may well stop going to school..leaving them poorly educated, less employable, prone to early marriage and motherhood in their teen years.
 
Having a Days for Girls kit can change all that.The kits are sustainable and reusable..expected
to last for up to 3 years.  They contain soap, underwear, flannel pads and a cloth container 
to secure the pads..a wash cloth and washing bags..all packed in a nice little bag that can
be carried like a small back pack. Using local feedback, the kits have been modified 27 times 
to ensure they are the most appropriate for local needs as they can be.
 
Some kits are made here and shipped overseas..through Rotary or other partners like Shelterbox.
Some kits are being made in local enterprises..allowing for skill and economic developement
in local communities.  Our own Club has supported this in South Africa and Peru and 
Cleone is now working on this in Kenya.
 
Along with the kits, a very important part of the DFG project is to teach girls about their own
reproductive cycles, health, and hygiene.  This knowledge helps girls feel prouder of being a
girl and makes them less likely to be harassed. Communities that accept the kits are obligated to 
also participate in the education process. Some classes are taught by local nurses, or health care
workers and some are taught by wives of local Rotarians.
 
Days for Girls was started in the US about 7 years ago. Both Canada and Australia now have their own
national organizations.  There is now 9 teamsin Canada.  It now has touched over 100
countries..an idea that was right for the time and has blossomed into a real opportunity to make
a positive impact in the lives of girls and women around the world.  
 
If you can help Vida in the local team..please let her know..some jobs require simple sewing..but
sometimes all that is needed is help packing. Great work Vida!  What a great project for
us to support!