KOOYRIGS DONATES 1,000 SANITARY PAD AND 1,000 MEDS TO 2 MAJOR SHELTERS AND 1 NGO
Kooyrigs is an Armenian feminist collective which donated more than 1,000 sanitary pads – but also thought of the girls who need medication for their period cramps: 1,000 meds, notably Ibuprofen, used for period cramps. We decided to target abused women, who flee their homes because of domestic violence, sometimes even with their kids. The hyperinflation and covid only made domestic violence worse. So we chose RDFL and two of the biggest and oldest women shelters in Lebanon – Martha & Maryam & YWCA beirut – who welcome abused women for weeks and months until they get back on their feet, and even host workshops & work with other NGOs that provide the women with certificates; a step closer to a life of dignity and self-reliance.
“The first shelter we delivered to was the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Lebanon. Although this shelter began as a Christian organization, their board comprises members of multiple groups and religions, and they serve any women regardless of their background. This shelter is kept private, and serves women in the most critical condition of domestic violence, generally those who have been severely physically abused, and have run away from their partners. We spent very little time at the shelter itself to protect the safety and privacy of the beneficiaries, and the shelter’s staff distributed the period products and medication to their beneficiaries.
Araxie in Martha & Maryam's women shelter
Myriam in Martha & Maryam's women shelter
DISTRIBUTING TO +8 RURAL AREAS WITH JEYETNA
Pads 4 Refugees generously supported our involvement in the period poverty film festival, Jeyetna, by contributing 1,000 sanitary pads.
Check Pads 4 Refugees post here!
Jeyetna stems from a documentary directed by Llewellyn that tells the stories of 10 women living in Lebanon, aged 11-65, speaking about their periods. Llewellyn decided to take the documentary, screen it around the country and create a space for discussions. We toured with Jeyetna and distributed 1,000 pads and tampons in +8 rural locations. We also raised awareness on the pros and cons of both disposable products. Amazing discussions took place in these small circles of 20 and 30 women and girls. Gynecologists also answered questions in a safe space. Doctors and medications are a privilege. We need to democratize access to biological information about the female body to prevent physical and mental problems. Social stigmas and ignorance come hand in hand. About Jeyetna: “Since July 2021 Jeyetna has organized 27 events in 8 different regions distributing products to 755 women and 355 girls. We have collaborated with many local NGOs and non-profit (Wing woman Lebanon, Koun NGO, RDFL, Haven for Artists, Marsa, Jeyetik, Wish x AUBMC, Gesture from the Heart, Basket beats borders, Nation Station, Toofoola, Fe-Male, WPA, RDFL) and international ones (UNDP, Les valises pour Beyrouth, Regles Elementaires, and Ranute, Smoon and Moonz).”
From the awareness sessions on female body and menstrual products
