Young girls at Ikage Primary School will no longer have to skip school or use socks, newspaper or toilet paper during their menstrual cycle.
This was the message at the launch and handover of washable and reusable sanitary pads at Ikage Primary School by non-governmental organisation Dignity Dreams which manufactures and distributes the washable SABS absorbency-approved pads for girls and women in need.
Speaking at the launch of the Dignity Dreams Schools Challenge, which aims to raise 21 000 of these pads in honour of Mandela Day on 18 July, Miss Commonwealth 2016 and Dignity Dreams ambassador, Palesa More, said the lack of sanitary pads, insufficient water sanitation facilities and menstrual health education were all elements that tend to disempower girls.
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More urged other girls at various schools across the country, with the support of their teachers and parents, to register for the sanitary pads drive on the Dignity Dreams website on www.dignitydreams.com by 1 June.
“We need to break the silence around menstruation and ensure that girls are able to manage their menstrual cycle in a hygienic, safe and dignified manner,” More said.
Nkateko Mabale of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which supports the challenge, said Mandela Day called for community-focused action that sought to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
“The Dignity Dreams Schools Challenge is well aligned with our outreach messages. We, therefore, appeal to parents, teachers, pupils and their respective communities to support this campaign to raise funds for the 21 000 sanitary pads.”
Details: Maselotsha Mphahlele 072 352 6170; maselotsha@vodacomctw.co.za
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