To ask if it's "culturally insensitive" to send tampons to the women in refugee camps?

[SansaryaAgain]

I didn't think it would be but a woman at work sent out an email to say she's driving to Calais in a few weeks time to take supplies to the Syrian refugees in the camps there, and would we all like to contribute something. A colleague and I thought that the women there would appreciate being sent sanitary products so suggested we send tampons (yes, I know Mooncups are better for the environment but I can buy several boxes of tampons for the price of one Mooncup!) and pads.

But when we told this to the woman doing the drive over she said that under no circumstances could we send tampons as that was "culturally insensitive" of us! Now I knew some very Catholic girls back in the day who refused to use tampons so perhaps very strict Muslim women are the same, but Syria is not Saudi Arabia. Surely there would be some women there who would use tampons?

AIBU to think that Driving Woman is being a bit OTT?

Australia's treatment of refugees doesn't exactly reflect well on them though. Do you have any idea what goes on in those detention centres?

No, I don't want any of them here in my home, I have worked hard for what I've got and I intend to leave whatever I have to my children or grandchildren, I don't want it taken away for some person who has rocked in my country thinking we owe them a living. But it annoys me when some people think that by sending a box of tampons or nappies will make everything in the world ok and they have done their bit and can go to sleep with a superior attitude to me.

Wow, milk of human kindness on here tonight...

But it annoys me when some people think that by sending a box of tampons or nappies will make everything in the world ok and they have done their bit and can go to sleep with a superior attitude to me.

Youre hard of thinking if you think thats what anyone on this thread has said or means. Stop being stupid and antagonistic.

It says it all when all they want is smart phones. goodnight.

Your country, Shabby?

It isnt all they want. read properly. If you cant be arsed then dont post shite you dont even half understand.

Yep, a whole list of things the refugees need and what xenophobic Shabby picks out from it is that all they want is smart phones. Guess she got lost on the way to the Daily Mail forums...

We should be letting these people into our country. We take far fewer refugees than many other European countries.

We need proper controlled immigration. Not this utter nonsense at Calais.

Op I think pads are better. Can be used by everyone.

Moreshabby I absolutely agree with you. These people scum who have risked their lives and those of their family, to escape murderous regimes, death and disease, are just plain lazy and don't deserve to live in a place of safety.

After all, we work 9-5 Monday to Friday for a reason right? Like, my life is soo hard as it is, why should I take time or my oh-so-hard-earned money on these lazy bastards with their brown skin, who've probably never worked a day in their life and expect something for nothing.

Yes, when I get in from a hard day's work in the office, I deserve to be able to kick back in my centrally heated home, with a glass of Malbec and watch Netflix on my 40inch TV, whilst deciding what bedding I want to order from The White Company, before having a soak in my bath, courtesy of my running hot and cold water . I shouldn't be made to feel guilty about these free-loaders. I WAS BORN HERE FOR GOD'S SAKE, THIS IS MY COUNTRY.

If I was away from all that's familiar (however horrendous that might have been), I would be so grateful for things to keep me clean and relatively comfortable, and also for the kindness of others.

We can't all offer our homes out to those in need, but anything we can do collectively to help other people... humans, can only be a good thing... can't it?

(I can't use tampons for physical/health reasons.)

Do you have personal experience Moreshabby?

Why should we give them anything when they are trying, with force and intimidation to get here illegally?

some of them are.

Surly I would add that desperation can make some people behave in desperate ways.

Shabby why don't you try walking a mile in their shoes before judging them.

Moreshabby (apt name) I do hope for your sake you never have to rely on anyone else for help for anything as God forbid they have the same attitude as you!

Would you have had the same attitude to Jews, Romany, mentally ill, disabled etc escaping here during WWII?!

I too can't use tampons for medical reasons though I did in the past can't now. Agree pads best as suit most women.

OP, I would say pads would be better, but you might be better donating stuff for the men. There are far more men than women/children and I imagine donations are disproportionately aimed at the women and children, but I don't know.

Surly I would add that desperation can make some people behave in desperate ways.

Absolutely. I have no idea what fear or hunger to that extent would drive me to. I hope to never have to find out. moreshabby has no idea either.

Moreshabby you're disgusting. Have you got any idea what some of these people have been through? Do you think they leave Syria on death-trap leaking boats with their kids for larks, and because they are desperate to steal your hard-earned right to a 20-inch TV? Do you think they travel halfway across the world, risking death at every turn and by many awful means (suffocation in a lorry with 60 others sound fun to you?) because they want the privilege of 60 quid a week and the delight of encountering the likes of you in some shitty small English town?

Make that £37.50 a week that's all they get.

Sorry, yes, 37.50, I should have checked the exact amount. I'd definitely leave my safe, peaceful house, beautiful weather, delicious food and happy family, in order to risk my life, and possibly that of my children too, travelling to the UK for such wondrous riches.

It beggars belief to me that there are people who really think like this - I guess their own inner motivations are so base that they can't imagine people who might want to come to this country for safety, and the chance to work and to raise a family without fear. Shame on them.

according to this there are 200 women in the jungle and 100 'beds' in the womens' camp

I think that makes women about 10% of the population, so technically mens' stuff may be more useful but a woman on her own can do fuck all if she is bleeding and has no sanitary protection. I can't imagine trying to look after small kids in those circumstances and every month thinking 'how am I going to get food? How am I going to get water?' when you are surrounded by men and from a country where menstruation is even more taboo than here.
Also, sisterhood.

I have lived in ME and tampons were just unheard of; so I personally would stick to pads.

Fling the doors open to anyone fleeing IS. That's my position. Let them come here, regroup, and plan a counter-attack for the future so they can reclaim their homes. Let the escapees live with us in the meantime so they can take advantage of the infrastructure they need for this. I am amazed people even quibble about this.