A small, but deeply impactful sanitary pads initiative in Alexandra is laying the groundwork for far greater change.
Elevate Her Africa has delivered a full year’s supply of dignity to 10 women, but its founder is already setting sights on a much larger goal of securing enough donations to support at least 2 000 women annually across an expanding footprint. Marie Joelle Kasongo, founder and president of Elevate Her Africa, is clear about the long-term objective. “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.”

This is not a one-off distribution. By providing each beneficiary with a complete year’s supply, rather than spreading limited stock thinly, the organisation aims to deliver genuine relief from the monthly ‘pink tax’ that burdens many women from low-income households. Most reports estimate that women often spend at least R50 per month on sanitary products, money that could otherwise go toward food or other essentials.

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The recent drive was executed in partnership with The Real Deal Show, a women’s and children’s show on Alex FM hosted by Lebogang Mapeka. Mapeka said the response from the community was immediate and affirming. “This came at the perfect time, and yes, this is what they need,” Mapeka said, referencing calls and voice notes from listeners. “I think it is something we need to move forward with. We are looking at a partnership here with Elevate Her Africa because there are a lot of women that are in need of this, and also young girls.”

Mapeka said the initiative is strongly aligned with her programme’s mission. “The Real Deal is a women’s and a kids’ show. We address such issues. This is another step to what we deal with, basically. This is what we do. We empower women, and we are looking forward to having more of such initiatives.”

Kasongo said their initiative goes far beyond menstrual hygiene. “It is not just about leaving it at the sanitary pads level; it is about upscaling the people. It is about them one day also saying, ‘I am also in a good position now to supply somebody else for a year’.”

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She said she believes that they can help 10 women now, they are paying it forward. “A year from now if they are in a position to help others, they will definitely be in a position to do so as well. So, it is just unlocking that ripple effect.”

The ambition extends beyond Alexandra and even South Africa. “The aim is not just to remain local, it is to go across Africa.”

Women in need can register as beneficiaries at elevateherafrica.co.za. Potential donors and partners are encouraged to do the same to help scale the programme toward the 2 000-women target and beyond.

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