In March, Optio distributed reproductive health and hygiene kits to 5,000 women and adolescent girls living in shelters and informal camps in Cortés, Yoro y Santa Bárbara, Honduras. These women and girls were victims of two category 4 hurricanes, Iota and Eta, that ravaged the country in November 2020 and left 128,00 Hondurans stranded in shelters and informal camps.

16% percent of Honduran girls are sexually violated before the age of 18 and, after the displacement caused by the hurricanes, these numbers rose. Given the restrictive reproductive health laws in Honduras, women and girls that are raped are forced to carry out unwanted pregnancies against their will. 

Our kits are intended to provide women with resources to prevent unwanted pregnancies and with feminine hygiene products that are in short supply and are much needed, given the lack of potable water in the areas where they live. Each Reproductive Health & Hygiene Kit that Optio gave out included: 

• 3 packages of contraceptive pills (which, if taken all at once, can be used as emergency contraception)
• Condoms
• Feminine wipes
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 3 packages of sanitary pads.
• Information cards with instructions on 1) how to use the contraceptive pills as emergency contraception, 2)  how to access a safe abortion,  and 3)  how to prevent and/or get help if they are sexually violated. 

All of our supplies were either bought from women vendors or made by local women in an effort to expand the overall impact of the project.

This project was generously funded by the OASIS Initiative. Optio continues to provide the kits. With every $15,000 we raise, we can provide 1,000 more women and adolescent girls with essential reproductive health and hygiene supplies. Consider donating today to support this work!