Avoid scented soaps for intimate wash in DRC

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, many women and girls use scented soaps and other fragranced products for intimate hygiene, often because of social pressure to mask natural vaginal odors. Yet these products can irritate the sensitive vulvar skin and disturb the natural vaginal environment. Our project, “Avoid Scented Soaps for Intimate Wash in DRC,” seeks to promote safer, simple, and affordable hygiene practices, including the use of clean, lukewarm water for washing the external genital area. Through community education, we aim to challenge the misconception that natural vaginal odor is a sign of poor hygiene and help women and girls make informed choices about their health.

The project is currently in its preparation and resource-mobilization phase. We are identifying qualified trainers and potential learners who will participate in the upcoming educational activities. The planned program will combine community workshops, interactive discussions, awareness sessions, and participatory methods such as theater to create a safe environment where women and girls can openly discuss intimate hygiene, vaginal health, and harmful social norms. The project is designed to contribute to the prevention of avoidable problems such as bacterial vaginosis and irritation associated with inappropriate intimate hygiene practices, while encouraging women to seek appropriate medical care when symptoms or infections occur.

The total project budget is US$55,000, and to date, US$0 has been raised. This means that the project still urgently needs financial support to move from preparation to implementation. We are deeply grateful to GlobalGiving for providing an important platform and partnership opportunity that can help us connect this initiative with donors around the world. With the support of GlobalGiving and generous individuals, foundations, and organizations, we believe we can mobilize the resources needed to reach women and girls, train community educators, conduct awareness activities, and bring this important health message to communities in the DRC.

We invite donors everywhere to stand with us. A contribution to this project is more than financial support—it is an investment in knowledge, dignity, prevention, and healthier communities. Together, we can help women and girls understand that they do not need expensive or fragranced products to be clean, and that healthy hygiene can be simple and affordable. We sincerely thank GlobalGiving and all our current and future donors for believing in community-led solutions and for helping us bring this project closer to its goal. Your support can help turn this initiative from a plan into a meaningful impact for women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.