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What's in a DfG Kit?
The Days for Girls (DfG) patented 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.
1 Drawstring bag so each girl can carry her bag to school. Comfort, style and durability matter because this Kit will be an accessory of hers for up to 3 years.
2 Moisture barrier shields. These hold liners comfortably in place while stopping leaks. Shields are pre-loaded with one liner in one shield and 2 in the other to show a girl can adjust to her flow needs.
Shields are leak-proof because of a moisture-proof lining sewn inside called PUL.
8 Absorbent tri-fold pads.
Soft flannel liners are super absorbent when tri-folded like a letter, 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, because they don't look like traditional pads.
1 Transport bag for washing and storage. Effective for transporting soiled items and soaking and laundering items with very little water.
1 Washcloth. Useful and a great hygiene dialogue starter too! Important!
1 Travel-sized Soap. Soap is travel-sized to save transport weight. Distributing orgs can provide additional soap access in-country.
2 pairs of panties. Many girls do not have underwear, and need them in order to use pads (Girls' size 10 - 14).
All of this adds up to life-changing days.
Days for Girls 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? 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. Only about 3% of those we serve are open to using them for cultural, religious, or personal reasons.
There are some potential risks if menstrual cups are not used properly. We're happy to be able to offer them for any
who find them appropriate, but only where they are appropriate.
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. If not, you can send them to Days for Girls International at:
Days for Girls Resource Shop
645 Taylor Way #2
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
(*Packages, DfG Kits,& In-Kind Donations)
Q: More questions? Contact Us.
* Kits are reported to be lasting up to 3 years with proper care.
** Based on 5 lost days per month.
*** US Patent No. 9,877,878