Collaboration Between Hanamisui and Civic Force
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at better supporting women during times of disaster, Hanamisui Co., Ltd. has joined forces with Civic Force, a public interest incorporated association. This collaboration highlights the pressing need to address the hygiene challenges faced by women during emergencies.
Civic Force, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is recognized for its disaster relief efforts. They have identified a significant gap in women's health needs during disasters, particularly concerning hygiene management. As part of this new venture, Hanamisui will provide products specifically designed for feminine care, such as the flushable mini wet wipes “OutClear” and disposable vaginal cleansers “InClear.” Civic Force will distribute these items to women affected by disasters, ensuring that their health needs are met even in the most challenging circumstances.
The partnership was inspired by a recent disaster—the Noto Peninsula Earthquake—which prompted discussions around the essential care products for women in crisis situations. According to Civic Force's Director, Kaori Negi, traditional disaster response often overlooks comprehensive healthcare needs, which include not just food and water, but also sanitation and psychological support.
Hanamisui’s spokesperson expressed gratitude for this collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Civic Force became possible after the Noto Peninsula earthquake, where we learned about the dire hygiene situations faced by women in evacuation shelters.” This acknowledgment of women's unique challenges during disasters demonstrates a significant step toward enhancing the support framework around female health issues.
One of the critical aspects of this collaboration is the pre-stocking of essential products in Civic Force's disaster response warehouse in Saga Prefecture, ensuring that they are readily available when needed. The impact of inadequate hygiene facilities often leads to increased physical and mental stress for women during emergencies, making this partnership crucial for timely intervention.
Civic Force aims to establish a more diverse support system as a result of this collaboration, addressing various needs specific to women in crisis. This partnership not only provides immediate relief but also advocates for broader understanding and acceptance of feminine care products in disaster situations.
Civic Force, established in 2009, operates under the mission of providing rapid and effective disaster assistance through collaboration with corporations, NGOs, and government entities. Their approach focuses on maximizing individual strengths to cater to the unique demands of affected areas, creating a well-rounded response strategy. They aim to connect disaster survivors and share experiences and lessons learned to foster resilience in communities.
Hanamisui specializes in manufacturing feminine care products and has been dedicated to addressing women’s specific health concerns since its inception in 2003. Their commitment is evident in their offerings, which include products available in approximately 20,000 pharmacies and drugstores nationwide, thereby ensuring easy access for women.
Overall, the collaboration between Hanamisui and Civic Force represents a positive shift in disaster response initiatives, placing emphasis on women's health and hygiene. This proactive approach aims to not only alleviate immediate concerns during disasters but also raise awareness surrounding women's unique health challenges.
Conclusion
By partnering to address feminine hygiene needs during disasters, Hanamisui and Civic Force set a standard for future disaster preparedness efforts that prioritize comprehensive support for all individuals, particularly women. This initiative encourages other organizations to recognize the importance of integrating gender-specific needs into their disaster response frameworks, ultimately contributing to healthier and more resilient communities in the face of adversity.