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Community News

Freedom Kit Bags give Nepalese women a better life in troubled times

Menstruation is something still infections that “The factory the challenges girls in Nepal face, I
not openly talked about, even in can lead to pelvic also operates as a believe it is my moral responsibility
enlightened western society, but inflammation women’s centre, as a father to give them the support
having access to sanitary wear is and infertility, where women they need.”
something women in the west take which is a can learn about Highworth Lions have also made a
for granted. growing problem their health, and, generous donation to the project.
Recently a female activist ran a in the country, importantly, be Reflecting on the difference that
marathon during her menstrual women and girls educated about having proper sanitary wear makes
period without any sanitary also suffer from how menstruation to women’s lives Rosa said: “During
protection, in order to highlight mental health is natural and our visit last year to Kodari, a
the plight of women around the problems such as normal. village where 151 out of 152 houses
world who still have to live like low self-image “Beni had begun were destroyed in the earthquake, I
this, that is with no way to deal and depression. making reusable described the Freedom Kit Bags to
with the blood running down their And it starts early sanitary pads and the wife of the headteacher at the
legs, either because of custom and/ as girls tend to we helped her school. She gave me such a hug,
or because they are economically start menstruation develop this idea then we got a big round of applause
disadvantaged and do not have earlier than they into a complete from a large group of other women
access to such products. do in Britain.” Rosa with a Freedom Kit Bag kit - the Freedom after she explained. This shows how
Explaining the problem, Dr Rosa Rosa and her husband, former Kit Bags. They include washable transformational the kits will be.”
Matheson from Highworth, founder West Swindon GP Ian Matheson, pads for daily and night-time use, Rosa returned to Kodari in
of the Book Project which aims to have been the driving force behind pad-holders, pants, a waterproof bag November and, with the help of
empower women in Nepal, said: support for Angel’s Orphanage in for soiled pads, soap, a washing line a Nepalese female friend, they
“When Nepalese women have their Kathmandu. Over several years and a colourful bag to keep it all in. distributed 150 kits. “It was as
period, they are called ‘chhaupadi’, they’ve become more aware of Everything is deliberately attractive if they had won the lottery,”
which translates to ‘untouchable the health needs in Nepal and the to help empower the women.” she commented. “It was one of
being.’ Custom means they’re Freedom Kit Bag project has been If you’re searching for a valuable the best days of my life seeing
required to hide away because developed with Nepalese activist Christmas present, donating their happiness. Their smiles and
they’re considered unclean and are Beni Rani Ghale. Rosa said: “She’s £25 to fund a Freedom Kit Bag, ‘dhanyababds’ (thank you) said it
unable to work, prepare food or an amazing woman and campaigns which includes two years sanitary all. It was a real life-changer.”
attend school. tirelessly to help and empower protection, is a perfect gift. Sponsor a Freedom Kit Bag at
“There are many problems that women. She runs a small factory Swindon businessman James www.the100womenbookproject.com
come from being without proper and shop which before the 2015 Phipps has led the way with his Or contact Rosa on 01793 764979
sanitary protection. Not only are earthquake was making and selling support, saying: “With two young or: the100womenbookproject@
females really vulnerable to vaginal items from recycled materials. daughters who will never experience hotmail.co.uk

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