What we will do:

In solidarity with Sri Lanka and to raise money, we will be doing a 24h “black-out” on the 11th of November - no electricity, no internet, no devices. We appreciate all donations and hope they will help Arka continue its project despite the rising costs and political unrest there is in Sri Lanka.

Where the money will go:

The money donated will directly impact a ground-breaking project and its employees, who are women from villages in a rural part of Sri Lanka. The Arka Initiative has set up a factory in hopes of manufacturing the most affordable sanitary pad in Sri Lanka, to combat period poverty, which is rife and crippling to young women and school girls in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is currently undergoing a political crisis, with the cost of living rising tremendously and the value of the rupee dropping. Any amount raised will have an incredible impact on the charity, to buy fuel and supplies and pay the working women a sustainable wage.

Motivation:

During our elective attachment in medical school, Paulina and I spent 3 weeks with the Arka Initiative in Sri Lanka working with them to deliver their mission of spreading women's health education while cutting down the stigma it receives. Recently, Sri Lanka has faced a political crisis that has left the country with a fuel and electricity crisis, affecting Arka's work in providing tangible & practical support on issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health. As part of our elective, we want to give back to Arka by raising £1000 to support Arka in their projects during this difficult time in Sri Lanka.