Post-Disaster Relief & Menstrual Care Needs
The humanitarian relief and post-disaster relief plans of the international civil society organisations such as the United Nations typically address the menstrual care under the general title of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), with a focus on the distribution of menstrual care materials and access to clean water.
Our observations and experiences in the earthquake-affected areas show that menstrual care in times of disaster is a matter that must be addressed more comprehensively, and that to solely responding to physical needs is not enough.
You can read the details of the fieldwork we carried out in the months of March, April and May 2023, and our future suggestions and opinions in Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes Menstruation Focused Post-Disaster Response Report.
We Need to Talk Association previously had taken notice of what lacked in menstrual care needs following the earthquakes in Elazığ and İzmir, and the wildfires in Muğla and Antalya, and we delivered product support to the disaster-stricken areas.
Following the earthquakes on February 6, we relied on our past experiences and started taking 6 major actions indicated below in an effort to respond to the menstrual care needs of the survivors.
1. We contacted local women’s associations and conducted a needs analysis.
2. We continued distribution through volunteers and other non-governmental organisations on the field since the roads were closed.
3. We applied for funds to remain on the field for a long period of time.
4. We made field plans in accordance with the funds and situation on the field.
5. We contacted sponsors to develop menstrual care kits and stored them in our warehouse in Adana.
6. We developed and disseminated content available in multiple languages about menstrual care in the disaster-stricken area for other NGOs to use.
You can read the details of the fieldwork we carried out in the months of February, March, April and May 2023, and our future suggestions and opinions in Post-Disaster Relief After the Earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş: Report I.