- April 30, 2020
- Press Statement

Sarawak is a caring place and from Day 1 of the MCO people have been working hard at many levels to meet the public’s essential needs. Yet one crucial need until now has been overlooked and it took women to notice it and do something about it. That need is for protection during monthly periods.
Just as it is hard for many families during these challenging times to find cash for food it is also hard for the girls and women in such families to be able to spend on sanitary pads. The world rushed to buy toilet paper when lockdown came but for females much more crucial are pads but for the poor how to spare the cash? Also for those living rurally would their usual supplies reach them?
This gap in provision was noted by both the Old Marian Association and Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS).
For the Marians they had since the outset of the pandemic been part of the community movement of volunteering Sarawakians coming together as the #JagaSamaDirik project to contribute wherever they could to those affected. Initially the project focused on making and distributing PPE then food and, as Jasmine Wong from their association said, they then suddenly realised what was also needed was sanitary protection. So they decided to launch a donation campaign.
Meanwhile SWWS had anticipated the need but lacked the means to collect and distribute. When they started making enquiries whether any group could take on the task they were delighted to hear that the Marians were launching a campaign. SWWS quickly collected from members and friends so they could donate enough to reach 250 women and girls.
This though, as Margaret Bedus their President noted, is not enough to fill the need. She hoped other organisations would follow their lead and donate and that all groups reaching out to the varied communities scattered across the state include women’s sanitary protection when they deliver essential goods.
Those wishing to donate to the Old Marian Association for the #JagaSamaDirik project can contact Jasmine Wong on 0128286218 or just drop off sanitary pads and/or panty liners at the entrance of Creative Heritage Innovation Centre (CHIC) at Bangunan Yayasan, Jalan Masjid Kuching from 9am to 3pm daily. Alternatively donations can be made to Persatuan Bekas Pelajar St Mary a/c no RHB 21101600086818 then send depost slip to omahelpcovid19@gmail.com.