Guya Scopas Bethuel — The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), through its ResPEct programme, has distributed 1,822 dignity kits to partner institutions as part of an ongoing effort to improve menstrual health management and uphold the dignity of women and girls across South Sudan.
The latest handover saw 1,822 dignity kits delivered to IsraAID, following an earlier distribution on July 21 to the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the Women Foundation for Humanity (WFH). The initiative aims to ensure that girls and women have access to essential menstrual hygiene products and other personal care items that enable them to attend school, participate in community life, and live with dignity.
According to GIZ, the dignity kits contain menstrual hygiene products alongside other essential items that promote comfort, privacy and self-care. The distribution forms part of a wider programme that seeks to improve menstrual health management while tackling stigma surrounding menstruation.
Earlier distributions included 1,700 dignity kits allocated to implementing partners. The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare received 1,100 kits for onward distribution through the One Stop Centre in Juba and its network of community partners. Additional kits were provided to the Women Foundation for Humanity and Star Trust Organisation to reach beneficiaries in Gondokoro, Luri, Mangalla and Rajaf.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Central Equatoria State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Hon. Elizabeth Pita Lugor, together with the ministry’s Executive Director, Hon. Nunu Diana Alison, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring that women and girls receive the essential items they need to participate fully in society with dignity.
Katrin Bilger, Implementing Manager of the ResPEct programme, said providing women with essential supplies is key to empowering them.
“Empowerment starts with dignity. By providing women with the essentials they need, we help create the foundation for resilience, confidence, and opportunity,” Bilger said.
The distribution follows community awareness activities conducted last month to encourage informed discussions on menstrual hygiene management, challenge stigma, and promote greater inclusion for women and girls.
GIZ said it is working closely with government institutions, civil society organisations and community groups to strengthen menstrual health management, promote gender equality, and improve the wellbeing of women and girls across the country. Partner institutions will continue distributing the kits at community level while conducting awareness campaigns on dignity, health and inclusion.
The ongoing distribution campaign is expected to deliver a total of 5,000 dignity kits before its completion.