HERE WE GO with our continuous research on the ground – with the knowledge and expertise of local groups, experts and individuals.
1st example: RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN INDIA 
Meet our four local team leaders in charge of the Formation of our Study Forum who are continuously conducting interviews and visits with women and girls in Kumbalanghi to investigate their most urgent needs and challenges.
We scrutinize and sort the streams which women and girls are in need of in order to co-develop effective strategies and to advance their projects together! #unaforwomen
For more information please contact the Head of UNA in India, Jeny@unaforwomen.org.
The example and voices of 2019:
“The collected sets of data in October 2019 has been assessed and the results are devastating. The data shows that a total of 58% of women and girls, interviewed in Kumbalangi, Kerala last month, declared that their number one barrier in life, in achieving their goals, is fear. Fear of being bullied, being laughed at, being exposed to violence.” explained Jeny Ajith, Head of UNAforWomen in India and continues “50% of the women stated that they lack self confidence and clear career guidance in order to feel empowered to achieve their educational and professional goals. We need to change this, now! Women have to be able to feel confident and need to receive the necessary guidance to empower themselves to thrive and fully explore their potential”.
As a direct consequence UNA offered a workshop in Kumbalanghi to address some of the most urgent needs and challenges. UNA together with our highly skilled partners of SHE forum traveled to Kumbalanghi to launch the “You Are Powerful” project – as a first step conducting workshops focusing on shattering of fear and empowering girls and women to believe in themselves, with positive, confident, powerful vibes!
The research and collection of data is ongoing. Each year a number of projects based on the data is being developed: protection of the environment, self defense, recycling, housing and the provision of sanitary products amongst others.
In 2023 this lead to the successful implementation of a medical assessment centre and the first UNAforWomen medical camp in Kumbalanghi.
Another example brings us all the way to Tanzania
After conducting research with several partner organizations and experts in Tanzania, we rolled out our training on sexual and reproductive rights in Dar-es-Salaam, followed by a project with Masai girls in remote areas of Tanzania.
Read what Ash, Head of UNA Tanzania, has to say:
“The menstruation period is a natural process of a female body rejuvenating every
month. It should not be a cause of shame, humiliation, or an obstacle to a woman’s life.
Evidence shows that, several girls in East Africa miss schools for a few days each
month because of the period. Why should girls miss school for undergoing a natural
biological process? UNA for Women wants to ensure that no girl misses school
because of the period (period!).”
And then there was the COVID-19 pandemic
The current Corona crisis has added additional challenges to everyone around the globe, yet women and girls are suffering disproportionally: „Women’s Rights are Human Rights and periods do not lockdown! The Mina Foundation is proud to partner with Unaforwomen in Tanzania during this pandemic by distributing Mina menstrual cups to vulnerable communities through online awareness and education.“ says Zaakira Mahomed, Founding member and Chairperson of MINA Foundation from South Africa.
Why distribute menstrual cups?
A lot of young women and girls in Tanzania are not able to move freely during the period of their menstruation. They often cannot afford pads, so they use products that do not fit hygienic or health conditions to hide their physical condition and are subsequently feeling ashamed. Ashura Kayupayupa, Head of UNA Tanzania explains: „The menstruation period is a natural process of a female body rejuvenating every month. It should not be a cause of shame, humiliation, or an obstacle to a woman’s life. Evidence shows that, several girls in East Africa miss schools for a few days each month because of the period. Why should girls miss school for undergoing a natural biological process? UNA for Women wants to ensure that no girl misses school because of the period (period!).“
Daniela Pichler, Chairwoman of UNA international is very pleased about the rollout of the first project in Tanzania in partnership with MINA: „When women get together, they can create change, positive change for themselves and their families, their communities and ultimately the planet we live on. Women are leaders, and UNAforWomen is there to assist them in finding their true calling. We empower and we lead, and together with women around the globe we make this world a better place.“
daniela@unaforwomen.org