Group sews dignity for Nepalese women

BUNINYONG’S YAKS Sewing Group isn’t just crafting with fabric, they’re creating change.

They’ve been making hygiene and menstrual packs for Nepalese women by sewing shields, liners, and bags, which are distributed by Ballarat-based charity Aussie Action Abroad.

“The YAKS have made hundreds of menstrual packs for women in remote communities who have been traditionally shunned during that time and isolated from home, school, or work,” AAA director Graeme Kent said.

“The provision of these packs, which we take to remote communities, makes a difference to the lives of women we’ve been communicating with through mothers’ groups, and enables them to be included, involved, and accepted.

“The reality is that women in remote areas of Nepal have a period, like every other woman in the world, but in many cases they’re still isolated, excommunicated, and told to go away until they’re clean.

“In lots of cases, they don’t have access to pads and tampons, or don’t have money to buy them, so these reusable packs are a solution; they can be washed, dried, and used again and again for up to three years.

“This gives them independence, dignity, and the ability to do day-to-day stuff.”

Mr Kent said supporters of AAA often donate face washers, underwear, combs, storage bags, soap, and toothbrushes to be put within the packs, which each include eight liners, and three or four shields.

But this time, AAA and the YAKS have received a Community Gold grant from Community Bank Buninyong.

“We were given $250 which we were able to spend at the Buninyong supermarket, buying face washers, combs, and underwear for the girls,” he said.

“Everything is now boxed up ready. before I go to Nepal on the 28th of April.

“I look forward to reporting back to the YAKS, the bank and the supermarket, and showing people that their donation has ended up making a difference on the ground.”

The sewing group, which includes Mr Kent’s wife Marilyn and meets regularly at their home, decided to call themselves the YAKS for two reasons.

“They sit around the table and yak a lot,” he laughed. “But one of the vessels of carrying loads in Nepal is a yak, so they have a yak as their mascot too.”