Let’s Get our Knickers in a Twist (LGOKIAT) is a female-led non-profit organisation tackling this overlooked issue by providing brand-new underwear to women in need.
Pant poverty is a silent crisis affecting many vulnerable women who have been victims of addiction, homelessness, and domestic abuse, who are involved in sex work, and who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. While second-hand clothing is widely donated, underwear cannot be reused or resold for hygiene reasons. This creates a serious accessibility gap, leaving many women without this most basic necessity.
The lack of clean underwear is more than just an inconvenience - it’s a crisis that affects women’s health, confidence, and dignity.
Underwear isn't just fabric; it's a step towards restoring confidence and normality
First and foremost, it’s a hygiene issue. Without access to fresh underwear, women are at higher risk of infections, poor hygiene, and gynecological health issues. The discomfort and health complications that arise from wearing old, unwashed, or no underwear at all can be serious. Pant poverty also comes hand in hand with period poverty. Many menstrual products require underwear to be utilised effectively and without this access to underwear both pant and period poverty persists. This often leads to an alarming lack of attendance at school or work.
LGOKIAT’s mission goes beyond just offering the basics, also empowering women as they do so; they offer a variety of styles, recognising that all women deserve choice, comfort, and self-expression. Different types of underwear can be empowering to different people, and specific occasions often call for various styles. A fresh pair of underwear isn’t just fabric; it’s a step towards restoring confidence and normality in the lives of those who have faced unimaginable challenges.
LGOKIAT is more than just a donation-based organisation; it’s a movement fostering community, empowerment, and solidarity. They bring together women and marginalised genders who are passionate about making a difference, creating a space where volunteers and fundraisers can share their stories, discuss women’s issues, and celebrate femininity in a safe and supportive environment.
Since its founding, LGOKIAT has donated 15,731 pairs of underwear to over 40 refuge centres across three continents, ensuring that women worldwide have access to this essential item.
The movement fosters community, empowerment and solidarity
Through a variety of impactful fundraising efforts- such as hosting a Pink Pants Party, where everyone brings a pack of brand-new underwear, LGOKIAT ensures that the act of giving is as empowering for the donors as it is for its recipients. These events range from small gatherings with friends to larger functions and school or university fundraisers. By collecting donations of new underwear or financial contributions to purchase them, LGOKIAT creates a sustainable cycle of support, uplifting both those who give and those who receive.
Underwear may seem like a small thing, but for women facing hardship, it’s a vital step towards reclaiming dignity and security. Clean underwear is not just about hygiene - it’s about self-worth, comfort, and the right to feel valued.
By raising awareness about pant poverty, and ensuring women have access to high-quality, stylish underwear, LGOKIAT is proving that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, deserves to feel confident and respected. Through this mission, they are empowering women, one pair at a time.
Want to help? Support Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist today- because no woman should have to go without.
Socials: web- www.letsgetourknickersinatwist.org
Instagram - @letsgetourknickersinatwist
Email- letsgetourknickersinatwist@gmail.com