What's in a Days for Girls Kit?
The Days for Girls (DfG) kit design is the result of feedback from women all over the world. Listening is an approach that results in solutions that work. That's important, because every washable Feminine Hygiene Kit gives back up to 6 months of living in just 3 years of use.* That's 180 days of education, health, safety and dignity.
Do you know about Menstrual Cups? They are awesome too. Read more.
1 Drawstring bag so she can carry her bag to school. Comfort, style and durability matter because this will be an accessory of hers for up to 3 years.
2 pairs of panties (Girls' size 10 - 14)
1 visual instruction sheet (Download this 2 sided file to print here)
8 absorbent tri-fold pads
Soft flannel liners are super absorbent when folded in three and can be layered for extra coverage. Unfolded they are square so they dry fast and wash with very little water, AND girls can dry them without risking taboos.
2 one-gallon size Ziploc freezer bags
Effective for transporting soiled items and soaking and laundering items with very little water. Why Ziploc brand freezer bags? They are most durable. (Non-zipper/slider please)
1 washcloth - Useful
and a great hygiene
dialogue starter too!
Important! Read Policy Update October 21, 2014.
Shields are leak-proof because of a moisture proof lining called PUL.
1 Travel-sized Soap
Travel-sized to save transport weight. Distributing orgs can provide additional soap access in-country.
2 Moisture barrier shields These hold liners comfortably in place while stopping leaks. Pre-loaded with one liner in one shield
and 2 in the other to show she can adjust to her flow needs.
All this adds up to life-changing Days.
Packing hint: We pre-load the shields when packing. 1 tri-fold pad/liner in
1 shield, 2 in the other-- a reminder that she can layer for extra absorbency.
These kits are made with love by thousands of volunteers around the world or by local women filling the need for their own community. Quality matters because women and girls depend on this product, and kits have to endure frequent washing in harsh conditions.
Q: Does it really matter how they look?
A: Yes, because she not only will count on it, she will frequently have it with her. No, it doesn't have to be beautiful to be functional, but she notices and appreciates when the kit is beautiful and that helps break shame and stigma.
Q: Which is more important, getting a lot of kits sent in, or making them well?
A: While there are millions of women going without menstrual hygiene management and we aim to reach them all, one woman at a time makes a kit, and one woman receives it. Time goes into making each and every kit, because quality matters. Quality because if they are not made well they will not work well nor last up to 3 years, as they can with proper construction and care. It takes about the same amount of time to make them well if you follow the instructions offered on our site with care.
Q: Do girls really count on and use these?
A: Morgan, a volunteer on an expedition to Uganda with us, asked this very question of a girl receiving a kit. The girl looked her in the eye and said, "We will no longer have to fear." A school in Kisii, Kenya contacted us to say that their liners had worn out and they needed more ASAP. We were excited because this said 3 things: They are using them, they are liking them and importantly... it had been 3 years! They last. Schools in many, many places report dramatic changes in attendance. Yes, girls and women count on and use them and they change their lives in so many ways.
Q: How does she care for the kit if there is little water?
A: Great question. That is where the feedback has been so amazing. With the Ziplock baggie she can soak the liners with very little water, and that water can be gray water (already used for other washing, etc.) After soaking she can spill away the most colorful water in a latrine or appropriate location and then the kits can be easily washed as usual. Because of the tri-fold design, they rinse with very little water comparatively.
Q: Why don't you make them white so they can bleach them?
A: Bleach is not often available to many of them and stain-hiding is a priority, especially where there are taboos and stigma about MHM items.
Q: Where do I find the patterns and resources to make these?
A: Click here.
Q: How do I request kits to distribute?
A: Click here.
Q: What if I want to teach the women to make their own and maybe start a business with Days for Girls?
A: Good news... we have proven guidelines and ways to help and train... and it's still a lot of work to set an Enterpise up... but so worth it. Why re-invent the wheel when they can be part of a global network of strength? I Learn more here. We look forward to working with you and your group.
Q: What are menstrual cups? And / or why don't you distribute them instead?
A: Menstrual Cups are reusable month after month... for up to 10 years! So why doesn't everyone use them? Good
question. But only about 3% of those we serve are open to using them for cultural, religious, or personal reasons. And
there are risks if they are not used properly. We're happy to be able to offer themfor any who find them
appropriate thanks to our partners Ruby Cups, but only where they are appropriate. Learn more here.
Q: Where do I send Days for Girls kit components when I finish making them??
A: First, THANK YOU! What a difference YOU just made. They sure are a labor of love, aren't they? It's a good thing they last 2 - 3 years (it's really 4, but we like to surprise people with the extra longevity and the average is 3). There are two options. Check out the Chapter and Team page to see if one is near you here. And if not, you can send them to DAys for Girls International at DfG 1610 Grover Street Suite B22, Lynden, WA 98264