Reproductive Health Congo, Democratic Republic of the Project #74900

Menstrual Dignity for Displaced Women in the DRC

by Habari RDC

Summary

This project aims to restore menstrual dignity and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights for women displaced by conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It supports the local production and free distribution of reusable sanitary pads to 1,000 displaced women and trains 50 community volunteers to raise awareness on SRHR. Community-based, rights-focused and sustainable, the project strengthens women's health, dignity and local livelihoods.

$20,000
total goal

$20,000
remaining

1
donor

0
monthly donors

3
months

Challenge

Confronted by conflict, South Kivu hosts 1.51 million internally displaced people, while the suspension of U.S. funding has triggered a severe sexual and reproductive health (SRH) crisis. According to UNFPA, in 2025 only 7% of targeted populations accessed SRH services, as over 60% of qualified staff could not be mobilized due to lack of funding. Women are the most affected. This project will support 1,000 women with free reusable menstrual kits and reliable SRH information.

Solution

The initiative addresses sexual and reproductive health gaps in South Kivu through a community-based approach. It supports local production and free distribution of reusable sanitary pads to 1,000 displaced women, reducing infection risks and restoring dignity. It also trains 50 community volunteers to raise awareness on SRH rights, hygiene, and prevention of gender-based violence, strengthening protection, knowledge, and women's empowerment.

Long-Term Impact

The project will lead to a sustainable improvement in the health of beneficiary women through three factors: reducing infections linked to poor menstrual hygiene, improving the prevention of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and decreasing complications related to sexual violence through better access to information. It will also strengthen the agency of 1,000 direct beneficiaries and 5,000 indirect female beneficiaries by enhancing their knowledge of SRHR.