A young woman’s crusade for menstrual health in Alberton

Menstrual health remains one of the most neglected issues in underprivileged communities, affecting millions of young girls and women worldwide.

The inability to access sanitary products forces many to resort to using leaves, newspapers, or even their own clothing, exposing them to health risks, infections, and long-term reproductive complications.

The stigma surrounding menstruation only worsens the situation, leading to missed school days and lost work opportunities, further entrenching the cycle of poverty.

“Governments have consistently failed to prioritise menstrual health, allocating meagre resources to address this critical issue,” says Keesha Williams.

“As a result, it is imperative that we, as a community, take collective action to bridge this glaring gap.”

A passion for change

At just 19 years old, Keesha Williams from Eden Park is on a mission to ensure that no girl has to suffer through her period without the necessary products.

She recently launched a pads drive to help underprivileged schoolgirls, calling on the community to support her efforts.

“Your donation of sanitary pads, which cost just R6 at Shoprite South Africa, and other essential menstrual products can be the difference between dignity and despair for a young girl or woman,” Williams urges.

“One sanitary pad may seem like a small gesture, but it can provide a woman with the protection and confidence she needs to navigate her menstrual cycle with dignity.”

Williams has taken to social media to spread the word, urging people to donate pads and monetary contributions.
She also plans to approach businesses in Alberton for support, hoping to collect over 200 packs of sanitary pads to distribute to schools in Palm Ridge, Sky City, Eden Park, and Thokoza.

When asked why she chose these specific locations, she explained:

“I feel like these areas have a lot of young girls who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and they would appreciate getting the pads.”

Beauty with a purpose

Williams is no stranger to community service.

Her drive to give back was ignited by her journey in pageantry, particularly after winning the title of Overall Winner of Miss Class of SA 2024 and placing as the Second Runner-Up for Miss Royal School Alberton.

“The Miss Class of SA pageant strongly encourages community charity, and that’s what pushed me to do more,” Williams shares.

As part of her Miss Class of SA journey, she donated clothes to children at Siyabonga Home Care in Germiston, initiated a clean-up campaign in Eden Park, and led a breast cancer awareness drive, where she and a friend handed out cupcakes and juice to soccer and netball players in Eden Park.

How you can help

Williams is calling on the community to support her cause.

She accepts physical donations of pads as well as monetary donations starting from as little as R10.

Additionally, she welcomes volunteers to help distribute the pads to schools.

By contributing, you are not just donating a sanitary product – you are restoring dignity, empowering young girls, and ensuring that no female is forced to suffer in silence.

“Let us join forces to shatter the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that every girl can go to school and live her life without fear or embarrassment,” Williams urges.

A future in the skies and a legacy on the ground

Keesha completed matric in 2023 and took a gap year in 2024.

She has big dreams of becoming a flight attendant, but her heart will always be rooted in advocacy and empowering women.

Her life motto is simple yet powerful: “You can’t change the past, but you can change the future.”

With her unwavering passion for women’s empowerment, Williams is proving that one small act of kindness can change the course of someone’s life.