While the monthly dread of missing school remains a devastating reality for thousands of girls who cannot afford sanitary pads, one organisation is determined to keep vulnerable learners in the classroom.

The Pad a Girl Campaign is tackling this silent struggle head-on by raising and distributing sanitary pads to needy schoolgirls across Gauteng, including Wattville and Daveyton.

The organisation collected more than 3 000 sanitary pads during its charity run, which featured 5km, 10km and 15km events at Mabaleng Pub and Grill in Wattville on August 8.

Runners from local clubs, including Boksburg’s Qhubeka AC, as well as individual participants, turned out in numbers to support the initiative. The pads will be distributed to schools in Wattville and Daveyton.

Pad a Girl co-founder and chairperson Siyabulela Lindi said the campaign was established to tackle what he described as period poverty.

“It was strategically organised during Women’s Month because we are doing it for young girls,” he said.

“We are fighting period poverty. Some disadvantaged girls can’t afford sanitary pads. This is what we are here for. We are fighting their struggle by raising pads through charity drives, corporates and public donations.”

Lindi said the organisation distributed pads to three schools in Wattville two years ago and is expanding its reach to Daveyton this year. It also plans to identify more schools across the province that need assistance.

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Lindi founded the NPO with Thando Andrias, who runs its Eastern Cape branch, after hearing stories of girls in townships and rural areas missing school because they could not afford sanitary products.

“Thando and I were triggered when we heard stories of how a lack of sanitary pads severely affected young girls. For instance, we heard about girls unable to attend school because of this, while others missed exams. It took away their dignity.

“We were moved. We then decided to do something about it rather than just talking about it and not taking action. If we speak without action, there won’t be a change. We decided to be change-makers,” said Lindi.

Highlighting some of the campaign’s successes, Lindi said they distributed 3 700 pads last year and a record 8 000 pads in 2024.

The campaign initially relied on funding from its founders, but support from the running community has helped it grow.

“We started funding it from our own pockets, but people, especially in the running community, bought into the idea. If you look at the numbers here today, it’s a success,” said Lindi.

He thanked everyone who contributed to the initiative.

“Pad a Girl would not exist without these guys. We are successful because of their support.”

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