Diyani 6.0 - Phase II

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   “Guaranteeing the right to sanitation and hygiene is an enormous human rights challenge of the twenty-first century that has yet to be met.” 

- Craig Mokhiber

Millions of women around the world suffer from period poverty, which means a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, proper sanitation facilities and education about menstruation. It occurs when people cannot afford sanitary napkins, as well as when they lack proper sanitation facilities to manage their periods hygienically and with dignity. According to research by the Advocate Institute, 50% of Sri Lanka’s households are affected by absolute period poverty. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Leo Club of University of Colombo organized the second phase of Project Diyani 7.0 under the category of Women Empowerment, aiming to provide sanitation kits and education on sanitation and hygiene practices to uplift women’s status and well-being.

The project was implemented on 7th of March, 2024 targeting the women workers of Hatale Tea Estate. As an initial step, we coordinated with the MOH Office in Panvila and secured their assistance in identifying women most in need. After contacting the Public Health Midwife- Panwila Mrs. Erandi Weerawansha, we received a list of items required by the women, including sanitary napkins, women's undergarments, soap, washing items, clothes and drawstring bags. Subsequently, our team finalized the sanitary kits for each woman and purchased them accordingly. On 7th of March 2024, our team journeyed to Hatale Tea Estate to distribute these kits and deliver the message about sanitation and good hygiene practices. The day commenced with a speech by Senior Public Health Midwife Mrs. K. Udurawana, emphasizing the importance of promoting education, awareness and open discussion about menstruation to ensure that women have access to safe and hygienic menstrual products and resources.

Witnessing the relief on the faces of the women receiving assistance was truly rewarding. The recipients of the sanitary kits expressed their heartfelt gratitude for their extended support. Upon return, Leo Ayesha Kumaraarchchi, the Project Chairperson, thanked all participants and the parties who contributed to the success of the project. After the session, the project committee showed gratitude to the resource persons by presenting them with tokens of appreciation. The second phase of the project marked a significant milestone for Project Diyani 7.0, showcasing the conversation around menstruation and the distribution of sanitary kits that can help empower women and break down the barriers and stigmas associated with it during this sanitation and hygiene month. As a team, we felt immensely satisfied by undertaking a project of this nature, knowing that our efforts directly impacted the lives of those women who contributed to making the world a more vibrant and wonderful place. Let us all raise our voices for women and spread awareness message about the importance of menstruation hygiene.

By,

Leo Maleesha Ekanayake. 



 

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