In a significant humanitarian intervention, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided dignity kits to 400 displaced women and girls in vulnerable communities across Lagos.
The intervention done in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and Action Health Incorporated (AHI) was held in hard-to-reach areas of Sogunro, Makoko, and Oko-Agbòn on Friday.
Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst at UNFPA, Dr Esther Somefun, said the distribution forms part of a broader intensive outreach programme aimed at addressing urgent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and gender-based violence (GBV) risks faced by displaced populations.
According to her, the interventions delivered essential SRH and GBV support, linked survivors to care, and addressed urgent dignity and hygiene needs of displaced persons.
She explained that the provision of dignity kits to 400 displaced women and girls also supports menstrual health, and helps mitigate health risks in challenging living conditions.
Dignity Kits are humanitarian packages containing essential hygiene items such as sanitary pads, soap, bucket, bag, underwear, and towels.
They help displaced and vulnerable women maintain personal hygiene, restore dignity, and reduce the risk of infections.
Somefun noted that trained social workers and health workers, deployed following capacity-building, carried out extensive community-based activities including door-to-door visits, community dialogues, market engagements, and targeted sessions for adolescent girls and young women.
“Through the activities of the community volunteers and health workers, over 5,000 persons were reached with life-saving SRH/GBV information and services, 250 households engaged, and 760 individuals reached with Psychosocial support.”
“By providing these necessary resources, we aim to offer support that contributes significantly to their comfort, self-esteem, and overall recovery, complementing the impact of our GBV prevention efforts,” Somefun said.
Similarly, Ms Oluwafunsho Bukoye, Project Coordinator, AHI, said the initiative underscores UNFPA and AHI’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of women and girls in humanitarian contexts.
Bukoye emphasised that the intervention ensures that immediate practical support goes hand-in-hand with longer-term community resilience and access to services.
Also, Mrs Kehinde Adefuye, Wife of Yaba LCDA Chairman, commended UNFPA and AHI for the intervention, urging the women and girls against selling the dignity kits.
Adefuye said the LCDA chairman had the welfare of the displaced persons at heart and would continue to bring impactful programmes to them. (NAN)
