For most women, the thought of going a full year without worrying about sanitary supplies is almost unimaginable. But for 10 women in Alexandra, that relief has become a reality.

Elevate Her Africa’s initiative to tackle period poverty in Alexandra, in partnership with The Real Deal Show on Alex FM, has just freed them from the financial strain of the so-called ‘pink tax.’

Now, with sanitary needs covered for the whole year, they can redirect scarce resources toward food and other essentials.

Read more: Girl learners in three Alex primary schools receive sanitary pads

Unlike traditional drives that often distribute pads in bulk to as many women as possible, Elevate Her Africa opted to give each recipient a full year’s supply.

“The reasoning behind it was that we wanted to give the young lady, the young woman, an opportunity to literally be at ease for a year, and not have to worry about where the pads are going to come from,” explained Marie Joelle Kasongo, founder and president of Elevate Her Africa.

Kasongo is acutely aware of how period poverty undermines women’s rights, limiting access to education, work, and full participation in daily life. However, by providing sanitary supplies, she hopes to empower women to reclaim those rights.

“It is about giving them that break for 12 months, knowing that they don’t have to worry about it again,” she said.

Reports estimate that women spend at least R50 per month on sanitary pads, an expense that is crippling for families already struggling to put food on the table in Alexandra. It comes as no surprise that the initiative has already struck a chord.

Lebogang Mapeka, host of The Real Deal, said the initiative drew the interest of her audience, indicating that sanitary pads are an essential need.

“From the calls and voice notes we received, yes, this is exactly what they need,” she said, adding that it came at the right time.

Also read: Newly formed NGO donates sanitary pads to Alexandra High School learners

Kasongo believes the ripple effect will extend beyond immediate relief. “If we can help 10 women today, a year from now, if they are in a position to help others, they will,” she explained.

With the cost of living soaring and many women living below the poverty line, the added burden of the pink tax makes initiatives like this critical.

“The long-term objective is to get enough donations from our donors that we can have at least 2 000 women, that we can be proud to be supplying on an annual basis,” Kasongo said.

Kasongo encouraged women seeking help to sign up as beneficiaries at elevateherafrica.co.za, and urged others to register as donors.

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