In honor of International Women’s Day 2023, Massy Stores in partnership with Bryden PI, Unilever and Massy Distribution donated over fifty thousand dollars (TT$50,000) worth of feminine hygiene products to five Non-Profit Organizations- St. Jude’s Home for Girls, The Shelter, I am Laventille Foundation, Goshen Home and Feminitt who work to protect and provide for vulnerable girls and women in communities across Trinidad and Tobago.

“Many women across the country face issues such as period poverty, social displacement, unequal employment opportunities and abuse. Firstly, I must recognize the exemplary work of these organizations who provide safe spaces and advocate for women in our country. I wish to also thank our partners at Unilever, Bryden PO and of course, Massy Distribution for answering our call for support and joining us in making this contribution,” said Roxane De Freitas, CEO, Massy Stores. Joy Benjamin, Councilor for St. Barb’s and Chinapoo Government Schools, as well as the Co-Founder of the I am Laventille Foundation, expressed her deep gratitude to Massy Stores, U by Kotex and Dove, for supporting their workshop commemorating IWD 2023. She stated, “Your generous donation is extremely beneficial and will be put to good use by the women in the community as we continue on our mission to engage women through holistic development.”

Feminitt, an NGO that works with young women, girls and sexual diverse groups to support and sensitize them to the growing gender inequalities, was another recipient present at the informal handover. Chanelle Beatrice, (Ag) Co Executive Director said, “We know that the issue of period poverty is a human rights issue and can only be solved by utilizing a whole society approach- this means all hands on deck. You have shown the power of the corporate Trinbago and the impactful change that we can enact when we come together. These period products will be used to stock our 11 Care Banks across Trinidad and Tobago.”

“Massy Stores has been investing in a female empowerment program, called LIFE (Lessons in Female Empowerment) for the past 10 years, to develop our women across the organization. Over that time, we have directly impacted 250 female employees. That transformation in many instances extended to making a positive impact on those around them at work, at home and in their communities. We have so many success stories from this program ranging from career advancement to the resolution of some truly challenging situations and I believe that this contribution to these impactful organization is an extension of the value we hold for the women in our span of care.

The handover of hygiene products took place on the 6th of March at Massy Stores Head Office where the five NPOs received the donations.