For women, by women, with love — delivering Dignity Kits after TC Lola
Above: Women-led distribution of dignity kits in Akamb. Photo: ActionAid Vanuatu
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Lola in October 2023, south-east Malekula faced significant challenges, with many women and women with disabilities losing their personal belongings and facing heightened vulnerability. In response, a collaborative effort led by Women I Tok Tok Tugeta (WITTT) and local women leaders initiated the procurement, assembly, and distribution of Dignity Kits, with support from the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.
The distribution of Dignity Kits was undertaken through the following steps:
Consultation and Collaboration: Prior to purchasing the Dignity Kits, WITTT Women were consulted to determine the contents of the kits, ensuring they met the specific needs of women and women with disabilities in the affected areas.
Procurement and Assembly: Dignity Kits were procured locally and assembled with love by members of the WITTT network from East Efate, WITTT Sunshine, and ActionAid Vanuatu staff. The items for the Dignity Kits were chosen through consultation with the WITTT forum, and included: toilet paper, panties, sanitary pads, toothbrush and tooth paste, towels, sarongs, slippers, bathing soaps and solar lights.
Distribution: The distribution of Dignity Kits was coordinated with local women leaders, who facilitated the delivery of kits to women and women with disabilities in Lamap, Maskylines, and Akhamb islands. Inter-island vessels were used to transport the kits to remote areas. Additionally, 40 folding beds were distributed to women with disabilities in south-east Malekula.
Above: Members of WITTT Sunshine, a WITTT group led by women with disabilities, pack dignity kits with love for women affected by the cyclone. Photo: ActionAid Vanuatu
Above: Belinda Talis (centre) receives her dignity kit in Lamap. Photo: ActionAid Vanuatu
“I am very happy to receive this package, this is the first time for Lamap women to receive individual hygiene kits, and I now have soap to wash my kids with and to clean my family with,” said Belinda Talis, one of the recipients.
The distribution of Dignity Kits in south-east Malekula saw many women and women with disabilities expressing gratitude, as the kits would enable them to maintain cleanliness, safety, and dignity in the aftermath of the TC Lola. The initiative fostered community solidarity and empowerment, with 100 additional women joining the WITTT network after the distribution, indicating a growing awareness of women's needs in disaster response efforts.
Above: Women of Lamap smiling with their dignity kits, received through the WITTT response to TC Lola. Photo: ActionAid Vanuatu
The Dignity Kits distribution initiative in south-east Malekula exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in addressing the unique needs of women and women with disabilities in post-disaster contexts. By prioritising consultation, inclusivity, and community engagement, the initiative not only provided essential resources but also fostered resilience, dignity, and empowerment among affected women.
Through initiatives such as this, the WITTT network are demonstrating the importance of gender-responsive approaches in disaster preparedness and response and emphasising the central role of women in leading their community in disaster response and preparedness planning.
WITTT Dignity Kit distributions were supported through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership response to TC Lola, funded by the Australian Government.
Above: Women unloading dignity kits in Lamap. Photo: ActionAid Vanuatu