Miss Alexandra finalist Rubina Burnham said their donation of sanitary pads will only carry a girl so far, but what learners are taught during the drive will have a lasting impact.

Burnham and partner organisations donated about 110 sanitary pads to learners at Ekukhanyisweni Primary School in Alexandra on October 13 as part of her annual Start Strong Campaign pad drive. Burnham agreed that a lack of sanitary products can cut into a girl’s right to education, as a learner who cannot concentrate or is not fully present in class is being denied an entitlement. “My question is: what are we doing to educate and equip our young girls, so that we can help them focus on their studies?” she asked. That question shaped the drive.

Read more: Elevate Her Africa’s sanitary pads drive ends monthly struggle for 10 Alex women

Alongside the donation, Burnham brought in speakers to talk to the learners directly, noting that dignity was one of the campaign’s central aims. She said the shame attached to periods is not only private embarrassment but is often made worse by other children. “Learners will feel ashamed because they will be teased, bullied, laughed at by other learners. It happens in so many schools,” she said.

She brought in speakers to teach learners to be kind if the girl next to them is caught out. She said learners should cover her up and report it to a teacher or the school office so she can get help.

Also read: Alexandra model Rubina Burnham collects sanitary pads for local learners

The department of health also attended, not only to educate, but to tell the girls where help is available. Any learner without sanitary pads is welcome to go to any clinic in Alexandra and they will assist for free. This is particularly important in Alexandra, where Burnham said she has become aware of the pressures many families face. “Many families face financial challenges, making it difficult for some girls to access basic necessities such as sanitary pads.” That strain, she added, can eat into a girl’s confidence, dignity, and her ability to sit comfortably in a classroom while on her period.

The reception at Ekukhanyisweni left its mark. “Their smiles and kind words of appreciation for coming to them fulfilled my heart. In that moment, it really felt like I’ve done a great job and it was not in vain.”

Burnham said the drive was done in collaboration with Families South Africa, Siphosenkosi Empowerment Foundation, the department of health, Leon Entertainment, Positive Pageantry SA, Katfitness Coaching and Miles and Smiles.

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