We have partnered with humanitarian charity Refugease to bring an end to period poverty for every woman living in the Samos Island Refugee Camp in Greece. Together, we have provided over 650 women with the essential products they need to manage their periods safely and with dignity.
This joint effort has seen the delivery of 650 pairs of period pants and 650 reusable period pads and each woman has received at least two reusable items. The products were hand delivered by the Refugease team, with guidance and support and ensured the women feel confident using them. For many in the camp, this was the first time they’ve had access to reliable, sustainable period products.
“This is the reality for so many women here,” said a member of the Refugease team. “Many are often forced to bleed in isolation, not by choice, but because they can’t access the basic products they need. Some resort to makeshift rags. Some find a single pad, offering only a few hours of relief. Most go without.”
One woman in the camp shared her experience: “I always stay in my container on those days because I cannot afford to buy pads and I’m afraid I’ll bleed through my clothing without.”
At Hey Girls we are proud to provide products for these women, empowering them to manage their period with dignity and offering them a choice of product that can be worn for a long time and can last them for up to 5 years. It’s heartbreaking that while facing displacement and crisis, women still feel pressure to hide their periods.
With an emphasis on eliminating shame and stigma, it’s reassuring to hear that period pants in particular have been well received. “Many women here feel uncomfortable drying pads outside because they are clearly period products,” said a team member, “the pants are less visible and feel more private.”
For many it has been their first time using period pants: “Thank you for giving those to me. I never even knew there was underwear like this and it completely changes how I think about my upcoming periods. Now I’m no longer worried about where to find something I can use.”
“I feel more free. Honestly. During my period I could move around much more freely, I felt more comfortable and now I don’t have to feel uncertain about my next period.”
This project is a powerful example of collaboration between social enterprise and frontline humanitarian aid. We believe that no one should be held back by their period this project is a clear example of what’s possible when we work together. We’re proud to support Refugease in delivering period dignity to every woman in the Samos camp.
Founding Director of Refugease – Valentina Osborn has said,
“We’re delighted to have delivered such a powerful impact through a single campaign. From the start, we were very selective about choosing the right partner – we wanted products that were natural, toxin-free, affordable, and effective. Surprisingly, finding that combination was a real challenge, and we initially pressed ahead without securing the perfect fit. Midway through, we discovered Hey Girls – and it truly felt meant to be. Working with them has been a joy, and the refugees we support love their products. Watch this space as we continue our partnership and take on period poverty across our regions, one community at a time.”
About Refugease:
Refugease is a grassroots charity supporting displaced people with essential aid, education, and advocacy. Their work is rooted in community, dignity, and direct action. Refugease’s online Aid Shop allows donors to purchase specific survival items for refugees giving donors a transparent, accountable way to see exactly where their money goes – with each purchase directly funds specific survival items delivered to refugees on the ground.
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