The Lotus Flower collaborates with partners including Operation Hope Australia, the Presbyterian Church and Days for Girls, in order to provide and promote sustainable solutions for female menstrual health. We implement menstrual health for girls aged between 12-16, who are currently living in the internally-displaced camps within Kurdistan.
As well as the educational sessions, we distribute Days for Girls’ discreet menstrual kits to all attendees, and aim to mitigate social stigma so that girls are empowered to continue their education and achieve more opportunity. This is especially important, as a 2015 UNICEF/WHO assessment reported that at least 500 million girls and women lack adequate facilities for managing their periods – with many missing school as a result.
Menstrual health affects women and girls in all corners of the globe and has long-term impacts on education, economics, public health and societal norms. However, ingrained taboos, inadequate facilities, poverty and limited health education continue to mitigate what resources are available. It is even harder for women and girls who live in IDP or refugee camps when they do not have the resources they need on a monthly basis.
CASE STUDY
Elissa is a 12-year-old who lives at Essyan camp, and after participating in our menstrual workshops and receiving her kit, she says: “This is the first time I’ve received this kind of education, and I’ve learnt a lot about my body and its development. The kit is beautiful and easy to use. I love it.”