Ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28 May, Auntie Daisy reveals that more than two fifths of women in the UK have been caught out by their period in the last year.
Health on Female First
In a survey of over 1,000 women, conducted by Mumsnet, 42 per cent of respondents revealed they have come on their period without any sanitary protection to hand.
For women in the UK being caught out can often be a big inconvenience, necessitating a rush to the nearest corner shop to stock up on supplies.
But in some parts of Africa, a lack of sanitary protection can have life changing implications, with some girls missing a whole week of school every term. This can impact massively on their education and future prospects.
Auntie Daisy has a solution. By delivering customised packages of tampons and sanitary towels directly through letterboxes, just before they are needed, women in the UK need never get caught out by their periods again. What’s more, 100 per cent of profits from Auntie Daisy are donated to Camfed – the Campaign for Female Education - to help girls go to school in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Research shows that if you educate a girl she’ll earn up to 25% more income, reinvesting 90% in her family, be three times less likely to become HIV-positive and have fewer, healthier children who are 40% more likely to live past the age of five.
Claire Blackburn, co-founder of Auntie Daisy, said: “Most of us have been caught out by our period at some point and know how inconvenient it can be. By delivering tampons and sanitary towels right before they’re needed every month, Auntie Daisy offers a convenient and timely service to women in the UK. We’re proud that every penny of profit from each pack delivered raises vital funds for Camfed to help more girls in Africa get an education and reach their full potential.”
Positively, the survey also revealed that just 11% of women in the UK feel embarrassed when buying their sanitary products - showing that the majority of women in the UK hold their heads up high when stocking up on sanitary supplies. Sadly for many girls in parts of Africa, periods are still often seen as a ‘taboo’ topic, which can hold them back from taking part in community activities during ‘that time of the month’.
Recent events in Nigeria and elsewhere have highlighted that barriers to girls’ education in some countries remain shockingly high. Auntie Daisy, through supporting Camfed, aims to help girls in rural Africa get the education they deserve. Something as natural and normal as a period should never be a barrier to education.
By changing shopping habits and buying their sanitary products from Auntie Daisy, women across the UK can help girls in Africa get the education they deserve to realise their full potential.
Tagged in Women's Health