Boksburg locals lead the charge against period poverty
Two men started Pad a Girl to end period poverty in South Africa. This Women’s Day, run, walk, or cheer at their Charity Fun Run and help make a difference.
Pad a Girl was founded in 2019 by two Boksburg men, Siyabulela Lindi and Thando Andrias, to address the lack of access to sanitary pads for schoolgirls in disadvantaged areas.
The organisation has since grown from a small grassroots initiative into a recognised movement operating in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, with plans underway to launch a branch in Cape Town.
“We started Pad a Girl after speaking to learners who told us they missed school during their periods. They didn’t have pads, and some used toilet paper, pieces of cloth, or nothing at all. That broke our hearts and pushed us to act,” explained Siyabulela.
“Through quarterly pad drives, we collect between 500 and 1 000 sanitary pads, which are distributed to schools and communities most in need.
“Often, these are schools that reach out directly through letters, phone calls or referrals, and the Pad a Girl team makes site visits to assess the situation firsthand.
“We’re not just dropping off pads and leaving. We engage with the learners, speak to the teachers and open conversations about menstrual health. We want to break the stigma, too.”
Fun run
At the heart of the organisation’s calendar is the Pad a Girl Women’s Day charity fun run, launched in 2021.
The event combines awareness, fitness, giving, and it’s open to everyone, regardless of fitness level.
This year’s run takes place on August 9, at Gillooly’s Farm in Bedfordview.
Starting at 07:00, the event features 5km, 10km and 15km routes, followed by a community aerobics session.
“All you need to enter is three sanitary pads. That powerful act can help a girl go to school for a month. It’s more than just a fun run, it’s a statement of solidarity,” said Thando.
The event is supported by running clubs, families, fitness lovers, and youth groups, with numbers growing each year. In 2023, they collected over 3 000 pads, and in 2024 donations increased to 10 000.
“It’s about community. We’ve had people donate, sponsor water, help marshal the route, or just show up to cheer. That’s the spirit that keeps us going,” Thando said, adding that the journey hasn’t been easy.
“We face challenges with funding, logistics and reaching rural areas. But our vision keeps us going, and we’re building stronger partnerships every year.”
“This is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human issue. And if we all do our part, no girl will have to miss school because of her period again.”
For information or to donate, contact Tido on 076 455 4644.
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