Explainer: Whats a dignity kit? [Video]

What exactly is a dignity kit? On the heels of Menstrual Hygiene Day, marked annually on 28 May, here are five fast facts:

1. What’s a dignity kit?

Responding to emergencies, UN agencies act fast to reach people in need, including the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA. Part of what these and other aid organizations do to help is to distribute basic supplies to maintain the health and dignity of women and girls. Many of these are included inside containers called dignity kits.

A dignity kit comprises basic items that women and girls need to protect themselves and maintain hygiene, respect and dignity in the face of disasters, war and other crises.

These items are all housed inside a backpack or easy-to-carry bucket.

2. What’s inside?

UNFPA’s dignity kits vary across communities. The basic kit contains 10 key essential items.

Kits can also be customised with 39 different items. In …