Nkhotakota, Malawi – Early one February morning in 2024, 21-year-old Atupele Nyamula and her twin sister Shanil from Nyanji village set out to visit friends in the flood-ravaged lower parts of their community, to offer help amid the devastation caused by prolonged heavy rains.
Little did the twins know that the waters would soon invade their own home as the water levels in the nearby lake swelled spilling over to their village.
Atupele recounts what happened
I was surprised to see that water has also hit our house; the water filled our house to the level of my waist
With the floodwaters in their home, Atupele and Shanil found themselves in a tough spot, forced to abandon their belongings to the flooding water. The floods crisis resulted in significant damage and displacement.
Between February 27 and March 1, 2024, the central and northern regions of Malawi region experienced prolonged heavy rains, causing severe flooding in the Nkhotakota and Karonga districts. The floodwaters affected 14,176 people, with 9,378 individuals displaced and living in evacuation camps. Tragically, the floods claimed six lives and injured four people.
"We did not expect such things to happen,” Atupele lamented. “We sometimes experience localized flooding but this was something we never experienced. It was a terrible.”
UNFPA, with support from the United Nations Central Emergency Fund (CERF), distributed dignity kits containing essential hygiene and personal care items to vulnerable adolescent girls and women in Nkhotakota.
This initiative aimed to ensure that the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls, which are at higher risk during natural disasters, are met.
In the course of distributing these kits, there is a room for interaction where issues of gender based violence, sexual gender-based violence and consent and rights are openly discussed. This is accomplished by educating and raising awareness on the prevention and response services relating to gender based violence.
Atupele and Shanil were among those who received the dignity kits.
"The dignity kits were of great help as we managed to keep ourselves clean during a time when we had nothing,” recalls Atupele.
Shanil, echoed her sister saying that she thought her life had been shattered. But upon receiving the dignity kits, she regained her confidence to manage her periods without worry.
“Having those essentials, like sanitary pads and hygiene products, reminded me of the strength I have within myself. It was not just about the supplies - it was about feeling in control again,” Shanil explains.
As they transitioned from temporary shelters to rented accommodations, the dignity kits remained a constant source of support and comfort. Today, the twins continue to use the commodities in the dignity kit pack.
“The items we were supported with are so durable that during all the times we have been between places, we carried them along in which they remained helpful as we still use them up to date," Shanil explains.
