Why Women's Hygiene Matters in Humanitarian Response

In times of conflict and crisis, access to hygiene is not a luxury—it is a necessity that protects dignity, health, and well-being, especially for women and girls.

During the war in Lebanon, I had the privilege of supporting vulnerable women and children through the distribution of hygiene kits with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). These kits included essential hygiene items and menstrual hygiene products that many women struggle to access during emergencies.

Through direct engagement with women and families, I witnessed the significant impact of this support. For many women, receiving these kits meant being able to manage their menstrual health safely and with dignity despite displacement, financial hardship, and uncertainty. It reduced stress, supported personal hygiene, and helped prevent health risks associated with inadequate menstrual care.

The distribution also provided an opportunity to listen to women's concerns, identify urgent needs, and ensure that their voices were heard during a difficult period. Supporting menstrual hygiene is not only about providing products—it is about protecting dignity, promoting health, and empowering women and girls to navigate crises with greater confidence and resilience.

Every woman deserves access to safe and dignified menstrual hygiene management, regardless of the circumstances she faces.

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