As of April this year, 43 pregnant women and 92 children, including 50 girls, were living in prisons with their mothers under extremely challenging conditions. Post staff
The Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) has launched an appeal for donations to support the women and girls in prisons who lack access to essential menstrual hygiene products.
The initiative highlights the stark realities faced by incarcerated women and girls who often cannot manage their periods “safely and with dignity” due to a shortage of supplies.
Am Sam Ath, Operations Director of LICADHO, emphasised the fundamental need for menstrual products among imprisoned women, describing period pads as “essential personal items”.
“Finding these essential items is not easy for them in prison. We are accepting unopened, packaged period pads of any size or brand,” he said.
There are 2,740 women, including 117 minors, detained across 19 prisons monitored by LICADHO.
Despite recognition of the issue by the General Department of Prisons, access to menstrual products remains a challenge due to overcrowding and limited resources, it said.
Overcrowding, a persistent problem in Cambodian prisons, exacerbates health and sanitation concerns, creating dire conditions for female inmates, explained the NGO.
“The problem needs to be resolved through a mechanism involving all of the parties involved,” Sam Ath told The Post.
LICADHO has outlined two key ways for the public to contribute to their campaign. Material donations of unopened, packaged period pads, regardless of size or brand, can be delivered to LICADHO’s Phnom Penh office at #16, Street 99, Boeung Trabek, Chamkarmon, from 8am to 5pm.
Donors can use the labelled drop-box provided or ring the bell for assistance. Alternatively, monetary donations are accepted via ABA bank transfers, with contributors requested to include the remark “Period Drive” in their transaction.
LICADHO is calling for support for menstrual products for women and girls in prison, with the goal of offering them ‘safety with dignity’. Post Staff
Funds will be used to purchase and distribute menstrual products.
The campaign deadline is January 8 next year. Donations will provide immediate relief, ensuring dignity for incarcerated women and girls.
For instance, $7 can supply a woman with menstrual products for six months, while $14 guarantees a full year’s supply, explained the NGO, adding that “Menstrual health is recognised as a human right, yet incarcerated women often face neglect in this area”.
LICADHO’s ongoing “Early Years Behind Bars” project advocates for consistent, free access to menstrual products for women in prison.
“Menstrual health is a human right. Thank you for your support in ensuring that women and girls have the basic resources they need and deserve,” they said.
The organisation also draws attention to broader issues affecting incarcerated mothers.
According to LICADHO’s 2015 report Mothers Behind Bars, women in prison often face additional hardships, including separation from their children and inadequate prenatal and postnatal care.
Sam Ath added that there have been no recent reports on mothers and children in prison, with the last significant report dating back to 2015.
“Since 2015, the issue has been tied to the overcrowding of prisons. Solutions have not been effective, especially for children living with their mothers in prison, leading to ongoing problems with hygiene and health,” he said.
As of April 2024, 43 pregnant women and 92 children, including 50 girls, were living in prisons with their mothers under extremely challenging conditions, said LICADHO.
Sam Ath said LICADHO organised a charity event last year to collect donations of toys for children living in prisons with their mothers.
Donors have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. A contribution of just two packs of pads can ensure one woman manages her period safely this December.
LICADHO encourages community members to act promptly and contribute generously.
“We cannot currently accept reusable period underwear or washable pads given the scarcity of water in prisons and the difficulties of washing them regularly. We also cannot accept tampons, menstrual cups, or opened packs of pads,” LICADHO noted.
For further information, contact LICADHO at 012 536 300 or 015 553 855.
