Together with AmeriCares, Lifting Hands International and Global Empowerment Mission Days for Girls is working to provide 4,800 DfG Hybrid Kits to those affected by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
On February 6, 2023 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit south and central Turkey along with northern and western Syria. A magnitude 6.7 aftershock shook the region only 11 minutes later. Within nine hours an additional 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck. Since then there have been over 2,100 aftershocks and at least 43,885 have died across the region.
Even before the earthquake 16.4 million people in Syria were in need of humanitarian assistance. Since 2011, Syria has been tangled in civil war which has caused unparalleled devastation and displacement. Many Syrians were already living in partially destroyed buildings and flimsy shelters which are now completely destroyed.
A three month state of emergency has been declared in Turkey by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after stating that out of the 85 million citizens, 13 million have been impacted. Among those are refugees and asylum seekers that had already been displaced from their original homes.
In an immediate crisis situation like we are seeing in Turkey and Syria, providing menstrual product options is vital. Circumstances are changing constantly, and being suddenly uprooted means access to water, soap, washing and drying facilities or privacy may not be available. For this reason, menstrual health needs are best met by supplying Hybrid Kits (a customized Kit that includes both washable and disposable options). Education will be included in the form of a DfG Menstrual Health Education brochure in Arabic and Turkish. These options provide choice, flexibility and both short and long term options as individuals’ circumstances change.
Through partnerships with local organizations and our incredible Chapters and Teams, Days for Girls is able to provide this critical support in the region. If you’re interested in donating to our emergency response in Turkey and Syria, you can make a financial contribution here.
Finally, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to our amazing volunteers for their continued efforts in providing menstrual health products and education to the most vulnerable. And, thank you to our global community for your ongoing support. YOU are making a phenomenal difference in the lives of women and girls worldwide.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
