BUNINYONG\u2019S YAKS Sewing Group isn\u2019t just crafting with fabric, they\u2019re creating change.<\/p>\n
They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d AAA director Graeme Kent said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe provision of these packs, which we take to remote communities, makes a difference to the lives of women we\u2019ve been communicating with through mothers\u2019 groups, and enables them to be included, involved, and accepted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is that women in remote areas of Nepal have a period, like every other woman in the world, but in many cases they\u2019re still isolated, excommunicated, and told to go away until they\u2019re clean.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn lots of cases, they don\u2019t have access to pads and tampons, or don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis gives them independence, dignity, and the ability to do day-to-day stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But this time, AAA and the YAKS have received a Community Gold grant from Community Bank Buninyong.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were given $250 which we were able to spend at the Buninyong supermarket, buying face washers, combs, and underwear for the girls,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything is now boxed up ready. before I go to Nepal on the 28th of April.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sewing group, which includes Mr Kent\u2019s wife Marilyn and meets regularly at their home, decided to call themselves the YAKS for two reasons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey sit around the table and yak a lot,\u201d he laughed. \u201cBut one of the vessels of carrying loads in Nepal is a yak, so they have a yak as their mascot too.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BUNINYONG\u2019S YAKS Sewing Group isn\u2019t just crafting with fabric, they\u2019re creating change. They\u2019ve 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. \u201cThe YAKS have made hundreds of menstrual packs for women in remote communities who have been traditionally shunned […]<\/p>\n