“I am 14 years old, and this is the first time anyone has remembered me for anything, especially as a girl.”  

– Recipient of UNFPA Dignity Kit in Rafah, Gaza.  

For the past five months, people in Gaza have lived each day in terror and grief. With the health system in a state of total collapse and basic necessities such as fuel, water and food nearly impossible to obtain, the humanitarian crisis worsens each passing day. 

And as with all crises, women and girls are paying the highest price.  

Out of Gaza’s population of 2.2 million people, approximately 690,000 are women and girls of menstruating age. And, with the unyielding violence driving these women and girls from their homes and into overcrowded spaces, basic hygiene supplies have become out of reach for thousands. 

But UNFPA is working tirelessly to make these supplies accessible for all who need them – no matter what. We have been on the ground in Gaza from the moment that violence struck, and we will continue to offer our services to every woman and girl that we can reach. Distributing our Dignity Kits is a key part of this work. 

“All the items in the bag are not available in the first place, and even if they are, their prices are very expensive.”  

– Recipient of UNFPA Dignity Kit in Rafah, Gaza. 

Each Dignity Kit costs only $15 to create, but the contents of each kit are priceless to the recipients. While you may not think twice about the menstrual pads, soap, detergent, toothpaste or even the comb in your bathroom, to women and girls who have been displaced by violence and forced to leave everything behind, these items are absolutely vital.  

From girls who have just begun menstruating to mothers who are fighting to keep themselves and their children disease-free in overcrowded living spaces, each kit is a vital resource. Our Project Coordinators who have been on the ground for the last several months have seen firsthand how our Dignity Kits do more than just provide people with the tools to maintain their hygiene. These kits allow people to maintain hope. 

“May God bless you, because this is the first time I have received a such package since the day we were displaced.”  

– Recipient of UNFPA Dignity Kit in Rafah, Gaza

Since the conflict began, UNFPA has distributed more than 134,000 Dignity Kits to women and girls throughout the violence-torn region. In a single day, 550 kits were distributed in Rafah, an area where an estimated million Palestinians are currently trapped.  

It’s thanks to the support of people like you that we have been able to reach women and girls with these kits, but the work cannot stop there. That’s why, with your support, we have set a goal to reach every last woman and girl in Gaza and other humanitarian crises with the resources and the care they need – no matter what. 

“Oh God, why did I wear those pants? I only had one pair. All the items in the bag are crucial, and we truly need them.” 

– Recipient of UNFPA Dignity Kit in Rafah, Gaza

Thank you for helping us distribute critical Dignity Kits in Gaza and across the world. If you would like to further support this work, you can click here to make an emergency donation. 

After all this loss, peace must prevail. We condemn the violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel and echo the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages by Hamas, and rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. 

“Thank you for your credibility and honesty. You are the first people to come and provide us with something so beneficial.” 

– Recipient of UNFPA Dignity Kit in Rafah, Gaza