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Rabat – As the earthquake-stricken communities in Morocco grapple with the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster, a call for the inclusion of menstrual products in relief efforts has gained traction.
Activists and women’s rights associations are urging individuals and organizations to recognize that menstrual products are a necessity and should be an integral part of disaster relief efforts.
In addition, they emphasized the urgent need for a collective effort with associations and charities to provide sustainable solutions and partnerships with period product brands to address this often-overlooked aspect of disaster relief.
A Necessity, not a luxury
“Menstrual products are a necessity and not a luxury,” stressed Yasmina Benslimane, a feminist activist and founder of NGO Politics4Her, echoing the sentiments of many activists working to support vulnerable communities in Morocco.
Speaking to Morocco World News, Benslimane highlighted a critical gap in the support system for women during disasters. She underlined the need for not only providing essential products but also safe and dignified spaces where women can maintain their hygiene and well-being during challenging times.
She expressed concern that many women lack access to proper facilities for personal hygiene, including clean spaces to attend to their menstrual needs, use restroom facilities, and change sanitary pads.
Read also: Moroccan Children Affected by Earthquake Vulnerable to Human Trafficking Threat
Noting that menstrual products are “often overlooked during relief efforts,” she took to social media to urge people to include them in their donations.
In addition to Politics4Her’s advocacy efforts, the NGO is actively seeking funding and partnerships with reusable menstrual product brands that can offer sustainable solutions.
Several crowdfunding platforms, including Zeffy and Global Giving, have initiated donation campaigns in collaboration with Politics4Her to provide hygiene products in disaster-affected areas in Morocco.
Other Moroccan activists and associations, including 7achak.Maroc, stressed that ensuring access to proper menstrual care can significantly reduce the risk of urogenital infections and grant women the fundamental right to maintain basic hygiene.
They stressed that this initiative has the potential to bring about substantial positive changes in the lives of earthquake-affected women and girls, safeguarding their health, and preserving their dignity.
The tragic magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Morocco last week caused massive damage to numerous villages across the Atlas Mountains. The disaster claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and injured over 5,000.
Efforts are still ongoing to assist the affected communities, with Moroccans from across the country, as well as several companies, sending donations and providing these people with essential products.
