Menstrual poverty in Denmark: Flow partners with Blossom Project
Flow partners with Blossom Project
We have dreamed about it for a long time.
To be able to collaborate with an organization that works specifically for women and people in vulnerable situations. An organization with a clear purpose – and work that makes a real difference.
That's why we are incredibly proud to announce that Flow has entered into a long-term partnership with the Danish NGO Blossom Project.
Blossom works for a world where all women have the opportunity to realize their potential and live a life of dignity, opportunity and self-determination .
It is a purpose that is very close to our hearts.
What is menstrual poverty?
Menstruation is a natural part of life for millions of people. But for many around the world – including in Denmark – it is not taken for granted to have access to the products, facilities and security that make it possible to manage one's period in a dignified way.
It is called menstrual poverty .
Menstrual poverty occurs when menstruating individuals lack:
-
access to menstrual products
-
access to toilets and hygiene facilities
-
financial means to buy pads, tampons or menstrual panties
-
knowledge about the body and the cycle
According to international organizations, menstrual poverty affects millions of people globally – but also in Europe and Denmark, vulnerable women and menstruating people experience challenges in managing their menstruation in a safe way.
For some, it's about finances.
For others, it's about access to toilets or a safe environment.
And for many it is about dignity .
When menstruation becomes a practical challenge
If you have a home, a bathroom, and a place to store your things, you might not think about it that much.
But imagine having your period while:
-
living on the street
-
are you staying at a shelter?
-
temporarily living in a hostel
-
living in a financially stressed situation
For many in these situations, menstruation can become a daily challenge.
Blossom Project meets, among other things, menstruating people who experience:
-
limited access to public toilets
-
lack of menstrual products
-
inability to change pads or tampons regularly
In some cases, this means managing menstruation with improvised solutions , such as:
-
using pads for too long
-
old textiles or fabric scraps
-
socks or materials found on the street
-
diapers or other emergency products
It can increase the risk of infections or, in rare cases , Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) .
But first and foremost, it's about something much more fundamental:
To be able to handle your period with dignity and security .
Blossom Project's work for vulnerable women
Blossom Project is a Danish NGO that works to empower women in vulnerable life situations.
The organization's programs help women with, among other things:
-
to build self-esteem
-
to find community
-
to receive support for education and work
-
to strengthen their position in society
The vision is clear:
A world where all women have the opportunity to live a life of opportunity and self-determination.
At Flow, we are proud to support this work.
The WeCare program
As part of the partnership, Flow supports Blossom Projects' WeCare program .
The program aims to help menstruating people in vulnerable situations with access to basic hygiene products.
The core of the program is small bags – WeCare bags – which are sewn by volunteers.
The bags contain, among other things:
-
pads or menstrual products
-
intimate wet wipes
-
hand sanitizer
-
lip balm
-
hair ties
-
small practical things for everyday life
The bags are then distributed to menstruating people who live on the streets, in shelters or in hostels.
For many, a small bag of necessary products can make a huge difference.
Not only practically – but also emotionally.
It sends a signal that someone has seen you.
Why Flow is committed to menstrual poverty
At Flow we work with menstruation every day.
We design products, talk about cycles and try to create more knowledge about the body.
But the more we work with menstruation, the clearer it becomes:
That not everyone has the same opportunities.
While some debate which type of menstrual product is the most sustainable, others struggle to even access a single pad .
That perspective is important.
That's why we don't just want to create products – but also to help create change .
How you can help
Blossom Project's work is largely dependent on volunteers and donations.
There are several ways you can support:
-
Donate menstrual products
-
Donate small everyday items
-
Help sew WeCare bags
-
Spread the word about menstrual poverty
You can read more about the WeCare program at Blossom Project.
And follow us on Instagram , where we are constantly sharing how you can help.
We are going to need you.
A small bag – a big difference
Menstruation is a natural part of life.
But it should never be something that deprives people of their dignity.
At Flow, we hope that our partnership with Blossom Project can help make a difference – one bag, one conversation, and one person at a time.
Thank you for reading along.
♥️
Catherine
Founder, Flow
