EmpowHER

Health and hygiene are human rights and yet for those forced toward the outskirts of society, the homeless, people with a migration background and the financially struggling, that human right is largely out of reach. EmpowHER is HWA’s response to this pressing need and aims to reach those most isolated and in need.

“In Flanders up to 12% of girls and young women between 12 and 15 years old has one point in time been unable to buy female hygiene and menstrual products. Amongst girls and young women who live in poverty, this number grows up to 45%. 11% of girls and young women have been forced to loan menstrual products because they did not have any money to buy them.” (Caritas Vlaanderen)

For women with a migration background menstruation is and remains a taboo subject rarely, if at all, communicated about. This has created a significant knowledge gap. EmpowHER combines aid with awareness-raising and knowledge and skill-building. By way of interactive lectures geared toward those in need, we aim to create a path forward and to create awareness.

In addition to these interactive lectures, we also provide our target group with female hygiene and menstrual packages.

EmpowHER was established with the aid of Steunfonds Gasthuiszusters van Antwerpen.