Zonta Club of Cebu II distributes hygiene and dignity kits to 200 women

In the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and rights of all women — in particular those deprived of liberty — must be protected to assuage the limitations of their confinement. Women in prisons in Cebu are at high risk for COVID-19 infections. The pandemic, compounded by living in tight quarters, has exposed women in prison to various risks and vulnerabilities. Difficult enough, as it is prison, life takes on a whole different dimension when one has no access to essential hygiene items to attend to basic needs.

The Zonta Club of Cebu II delivered hygiene and dignity kits to 200 women deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Mandaue City Jail-Female Dormitory to assist the government in supporting vulnerable women and girls affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hygiene supplies are urgently needed among women in prisons, as inherent living conditions make managing personal hygiene difficult. Preserving dignity is essential to maintaining self-esteem and confidence, which is important to cope in stressful and potentially overwhelming humanitarian situations. 

The dignity kits contained essential hygiene supplies, such as bath and laundry soap, shampoo, towels, slippers and face masks, all packed inside Safe Spaces Advocacy Bags with visually appealing infographics designed to raise awareness against violence and the importance of maintaining safe spaces for everyone.