‘Freedom and confidence’: delivering essential hygiene supplies for girls

Above: An adolescent girl receives a dignity kit. Photo: World Vision Ethiopia

In the conflict-affected districts of Habru, Gazgibla, and Beyeda in Ethiopia, many households struggle with extreme challenges to even meet their most basic needs. For women and adolescent girls, the lack of access to essential hygiene products has added yet another layer of hardship.

For Habil, a 16-year-old from Habru, this support has been vital.

“Before receiving the dignity kit, I often had to miss school during my menstrual period because I didn’t have proper materials,” she shares. “These materials will help me to feel safe while I am on my period.”

With the support of the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, World Vision Ethiopia has stepped in to provide much-needed relief. Dignity kits have been distributed to 858 women and adolescent girls, offering them a renewed sense of comfort and empowerment.

The kits, thoughtfully designed to meet their needs, include disposable and reusable sanitary pads, underwear, pajamas, sandals, hair oil, Vaseline, multi-purpose soap, nail cutters, and combs.

The absence of sanitary materials has long forced many adolescent girls to stay home during their periods, missing valuable school days and falling behind in their education.

Above: Girls listen to information at a dignity kit distribution. Photo: World Vision Ethiopia

Habil said that her peers felt a similar sense of relief at receiving the items.

“These kits are more than just items—they give us freedom and confidence,” she said.

The dignity kits are about more than hygiene; they are about ensuring that women and girls can live with dignity and maintain their education, even in the face of adversity. By addressing such a fundamental need, this initiative is helping to break barriers and empower young girls to pursue their dreams without interruption.