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The Ripple Project is an initiative of Djemillah Mourade-Peerbux, a citizen of Mauritius, which began in 2016. Her journey began on the day when she went to buy hygienic products for around 10 women with Rs1000 and could buy products for only 2 women. She realised that basic hygienic products, such as sanitary pads and soap, are costly and are consequently not accessible to everyone. Appalled by this reality, she decided to set up the Ripple Project in December 2016.
The Ripple Project is not a non-governmental organisation. The founder, Djemillah did not want to waste her time and energy setting up a NGO and writing projects to receive funding from CSR. She wanted to directly work with and help women who do not have access to basic hygienic products.
Djemillah Mourade-Peerbux believes that access to basic hygienic products is a human right. These products are not luxurious items but are necessities. The aim of The Ripple Project is hence to allow underprivileged women (usually homeless women) to have access to these necessities (sanitary pads, shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc). The project aims to bring a change people’s perception on access to sanitary products and to empower women.
Djemillah Mourade-Peerbux primarily relies on social media (Facebook) to raise awareness and to get donations. Individuals reach out to her through Facebook. She collects the products and distributes them to different shelters from all around the island.
The project benefits different shelters all around the island and targets women/girls shelters:
Volunteers are encouraged to be present for donations and to interact with women/girls living in the shelter. Evaluation is generally done through the Managers of the shelters.
It is difficult to get people involved. People will generally give money instead of donating products. These issues have been overcome through advocacy and partnerships. Given the increasing number of women who have no access to these necessities, the effort is being made to render the project more sustainable. Underprivileged women from different shelters have access to basic necessities. The project has also brought changes in the perceptions of people.
Djemillah does not have a big team behind her. Her daughter helps her in organising the products. Djemillah aims to set an example and to show that an individual does not need money or educational certificates to bring change. Anyone who has the desire to help can bring a change in society. This renders the project easy to replicate.
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