Kathmandu: Save the Children in Nepal has launched a pilot initiative of introducing rainbow kits specifically designed for transgender individuals impacted by disasters. These kits aim to ensure that transgender people have dignified access to essential hygiene materials during times of humanitarian crisis. The rainbow kits break traditional binary norms by addressing the specific needs of the transgender community during humanitarian disasters, such as, the recent flood and landslide situation in Nepal. Tara Chettry, Country Director for Save the Children in Nepal and Bhutan, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The rainbow kits are a response to the limitations of conventional humanitarian dignity and hygiene kits, which often fail to meet the needs of the LGBTQI+ population,” she said. “As diversity and inclusivity remains at the heart of Save the Children’s organizational values, I believe this initiative broadens our approach to humanitarian response, encouraging us to view aid through a more targeted and inclusive lens rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.”
The kits were officially handed over to the Blue Diamond Society (BDS), a pioneering organization working for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in Nepal. The BDS will distribute these essential kits to those affected by recent floods and landslides, ensuring that the specific hygiene needs of the LGBTQI+ community are met. The rainbow kit includes a carefully curated selection of items designed by Save the Children and the BDS to support health, dignity, and comfort, including condoms and lubricants, sanitary pads/menstrual cups/tampons, wipes, dry tissues, V-wash, panty liners, hot water bags, menstrual panty (free size), towel, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and brush, soap, masks, and other essential items.
Manisha Dhakal, Executive Director of Blue Diamond Society said that tailored kits promote inclusivity and ensure that all identities are recognized and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). “Access to appropriate hygiene products helps maintain dignity during challenging times,” Dhakal said.
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