By ALENA HIGGINS
A LOCAL group aiming to restore the dignity of marginalised women by providing them with feminine hygiene packs has been launched.
Days for Girls, Allora is part of an international organisation whose mission it is to have all women in third world countries, homeless women and women in Aboriginal communities, supplied with or taught how to make hygiene kits by 2020.
The Allora branch officially launched on 10 November when 20 happy and enthusiastic ladies gathered at the Mary MacKillop House meeting hall, bringing armfuls of material, ideas and expertise.
Team leader Rosemary Easton said she was very pleased with the turn out.
“I think it pulls at people’s heart strings,” Ms Easton said.
“We had 20 there and about five who were apologies as they couldn’t make it and we have had another five contact us since then.
“Tables were covered with cotton material, flannelette, PUL, ribbon, patterns and templates.”
The hygiene kits replace leaves, mattress stuffing, newspaper, husks, rocks and other things used by menstruating girls to try and stay in school.
However, these crude methods often lead to infection and it is estimated girls in third world countries can miss up to eight months schooling over three years, hampering the vital education that could lift them out of poverty.
In other countries where the patriarchal society is the norm, girls and women are sent out of the home each month finding whatever refuge they can until they are considered “clean” again.
Ms Easton said the next Days for Girls, Allora gathering will be in early February when finished articles will be collected and new materials distributed.
New members are welcome. For further information or material, contact Ms Easton on 0408973474 or Cathy on 4666 2441.
HOW YOU CAN HELP.
Donations of cotton and flannelette material, face washers, small soap, or hipster briefs, sizes eight to14 would be appreciated.
From next week, a drop-off box will be located at Allora and District Tyres, Herbert Street.
