MANILA, Philippines – More than 25,000 girls in underserved communities across the Philippines will get access to period pads and menstrual hygiene management information and educational materials through a donation by P&G Philippines and Whisper in partnership with World Vision Philippines.
This is part of Whisper Philippines’ #ShareTheConfidence campaign, in partnership with World Vision Philippines and Shopee Philippines, to advance menstrual hygiene education and improve access to period products to girls in underserved communities. Earlier in June, Whisper pledged to match every Whisper pack sold on Shopee and is now fulfilling the said commitment. P&G Philippines will donate Whisper packs to World Visions’ girls’ communities in Laurel, Batangas, Rosario, Batangas, Baseco, Manila, Malabon, Quezon City, Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga del Norte.
Reports from the organization Save the Children Philippines noted that the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges in managing menstruation, due to an increased absence of adequate resources and support. Furthermore, according to the results of a 2019 study from the World Bank, 8% of girls in the Philippines reported missing school because of menstruation. Through the donation, P&G hopes to increase access to period products and fight some of the challenges surrounding menstruation, allowing young girls to always be at their best.
“Whisper’s purpose is to unleash women and girls’ confidence so they can be whoever they want to be, and our brand’s responsibility is to help create a world where everyone is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity,” shares Charm Banzuelo, P&G’s Communications Leader for Corporate, Baby & Feminine Care. “For us, this starts with engaging families and schools where young girls are able to first learn about menstrual health. We want to help give adequate access to products and right information that they will carry with them as they grow up,” she states.
Partnering with World Vision Philippines also enables P&G and Whisper to reach communities that need assistance the most. Working with some of the most vulnerable communities in the country, World Vision allows the company to benefit those in underserved areas, who have less education and awareness surrounding menstrual hygiene.
“We’re thankful to work alongside companies like P&G and Whisper who truly advocate for female empowerment,” says World Vision Philippines Director Jun Godornes. “At World Vision, we celebrate our girls’ strength and determination. We hope that when these small actions with P&G are pooled together, we can create waves to transform lives one girl at a time,” he ends.