Hope and Dignity for Afghan Returnees: Challenging the Taboo
Globally, it is estimated that 500 million women and girls lack access to adequate menstrual products and facilities. In Afghanistan, the numbers are especially stark: studies show that over 90% of Afghan girls and women lack proper menstrual hygiene products or education. Menstruation is often considered a taboo topic culturally in many parts of the world, including in Afghanistan.
For Afghan returnees from Iran, this crisis is magnified. Families who have returned often arrive in conditions of poverty, without stable housing or income.
For Karima, the experience also includes an assault to her dignity. Until we met her, she was consumed by thoughts of where to find menstrual products and how to manage her private hygiene issues.
Why This Distribution Mattered
For many returnee families, the sudden move meant arriving in Afghanistan with almost nothing. In such circumstances, menstrual health products are not a priority item they can secure on their own.
Furthermore, the shame and embarrassment women - as well as men - experience around intimate issues prevent them from pursuing necessary resources and even speaking about it. Most of these deportees cannot afford to buy disposable pads, even if they were available. To address this urgent need, in August 2025, Safe Path Prosperity (SPP) distributed 500 Salamati Kits to women and girls returning from Iran.
Each kit includes:
· Reusable Safepads — Safe, washable sanitary pads that can last up to 4 years
· Hygiene items such as underwear and soap that promote health and confidence
· Educational resources to break the silence around menstrual health
With this distribution, hundreds of women and girls now have sustainable menstrual solutions
By providing Salamati Kits, SPP has sought to ease this burden. These kits, which include reusable Safepads and essential hygiene items, offer a sustainable solution that women can rely on for years — not just days.
Karima and the many other women and girls who received these kits want you to know how appreciative they are. They told us over and over how wonderful these products would be - the fact that they are washable and reusable for up to two years made them feel secure.
The Need Is Still Great
While 500 Salamati Kits mark an important step, the scale of need remains overwhelming. Thousands of Afghan women and girls returning from Iran still lack access to even the most basic menstrual products.
Karima, like so many other women in her position, will return to her family’s home village where such products are not available. With her SPP dignity kit in hand Karima will have a resource that lasts for at least two years.
We believe that dignity should never be a privilege. With continued support, we can gift Salamati Kits to thousands more women and girls, ensuring they are not forced to choose between education, health, and dignity.
While humanitarian organizations who are able to operate on the border and support Afghan women and girls often offer health and hygiene products– what sets SafePath Prosperity apart is the combination of the products being Afghan-made and produced, they are reusable and have an antimicrobial design, and are integrated with broader women’s health and empowerment programs.
By partnering with SafePath Prosperity and buying these products, we are creating jobs for Afghan women and creating a safe space for them to come together and heal. Together, we can stand with Afghan women in one of the most challenging times of their lives.
About Safe Path Prosperity
Safe Path Prosperity (SPP) is a women-led nonprofit working to empower Afghan women and girls through menstrual health, education, and economic opportunity. Our flagship product, the Safepad, is a high-quality reusable sanitary pad that lasts up to four years. It is made by Afghan women for Afghan women–creating sustainable income for Afghan women at a time when employment opportunities are stark.
By combining access to products with education and community support, we work to ensure women and girls are not left behind, even in times of crisis.
The Road Ahead
This distribution has reminded us of one important truth: there is much more need. Too many women and girls are still without access to safe, sustainable menstrual health products.
At Safe Path Prosperity, we believe every woman deserves dignity. Our dream is to gift Salamati Kits to every returnee woman and girl, ensuring that their first steps back in Afghanistan are taken with health, hope, and strength.
With continued support, we can reach beyond 500 and touch the lives of thousands more.