Why are Happy Boxes so important?

Women in our own backyard are going without access to basic necessities. The toiletries that many of us take for granted like soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and sanitary items are unaccessible in the remote communities we support due to shops being up to 1000km away down harsh dirt roads, or only accessible via boat or plane. It’s also not uncommon for flood waters to cut off access for months at a time. It’s a far cry from being able to duck down to the shops to pick up toothpaste or body wash if you run out.

When there is a local store in a remote community, these basic items are unaffordable due to unfair price gouging. To give you an idea of the extent of the problem, 2L of milk can cost upwards of $10! When women are already faced with being the providers and matriarchs of their families, and often extended family members, there simply isn’t enough to go around and then spend on items for themselves.

Another consideration are the cultural stigmas that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face when it comes to their personal care and health. There’s a lack of education available to women to show them how to take care of themselves and practice proper hygiene and many are shamed for simply having a period.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, 19% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are living in unacceptable living conditions due to overcrowded housing and structural faults. This leads to multiple families living in the one household and being forced to share the already limited personal care items available. In some cases, young girls are only able to shower or change their sanitary items at school due to living circumstances.

To put it simply, we believe this is unacceptable.

Through our Happy Boxes, we’re trying to help Close the Gap and give women in remote communities access to the items we often take for granted. Both the Happy Boxes sent from our hubs and the boxes generously donated and sent by the wider Australian community contain around 10 different toiletries that help to give women and girls the tools they need to take care of themselves. When we can, we love to include extra luxuries like skincare, makeup and hair accessories that bring an added dose of joy.

On top of basic hygiene, the items promote self-care and encourage women to feel good about herself. Women are the backbones of community so if we can help just one feel empowered, we know she’ll spread hope, dignity and love to those around her.

If you’d like to join our mission and send your own Happy Box, or a donation, we’d really appreciate your help.