Renault South Africa, supported by Renault The Glen-Group 1 handed out dignity packs in partnership with Dignity Dreams at the Kibler Park Secondary School.

Before the handover, Sharon Gordon, the CEO of Dignity Dreams, addressed the girl learners. She taught them about the menstrual cycle, helping them understand their bodies and seeing menstruation in a positive light.

The late Sandra Millar founded Dignity Dreams in 2013 and registered it as an NPO. It manufactures and distributes washable sanitary wear to girls and women, ensuring that entering womanhood is a time of celebration rather than of shame and pain.

Dignity Dreams offers comfort and menstrual health education. Their washable pads are part of the green economy and are used by those aware of how unsustainable disposable pads are.

Gordon explained that the washable pads are eco-friendly and sustainable, with one pad equivalent to 144 disposable pads over its lifetime.

“When a disposable pad goes into a landfill, it can take up to 300 years to break down. The newer ones don’t take quite that long, but I’d rather they didn’t end up in waterways or landfills at all. With our pads, you can wash and reuse them. They last, on average, four to five years, and I have girls who have been using theirs for eight years.”

Gordon also highlighted the benefits of the pads for older women, “Now that I’ve entered my post-menopause phase, I’m aware of issues like urinary drips, hot flashes and other changes. These pads are fantastic for women dealing with post-dripping, because you don’t need to buy liners and throw them away. You simply wear one and wash it in the machine.”

She spoke about her mission and the importance of education, “I love what I do. I love educating young girls and helping them understand that they are special, that their period is not something dirty, and that without it the human race wouldn’t exist.”

Brand marketing manager for Renault South Africa, Mcebo Langa, said the company is committed to making a meaningful difference.

“Renault is passionate about giving back to communities that support us. It is important for us to invest in the same communities that believe in our brand and buy our vehicles,” she said.

Langa explained that Renault’s corporate social investment (CSI) projects focus on education, including building libraries.

“A key focus area is literacy. When we build a library, we are creating something sustainable and long-lasting. If we build a library today, 20 years from now, it will still be standing, and many children will continue to benefit from it. That kind of lasting impact is important to us.”

Langa added that the partnership with Dignity Dreams reflects Renault’s commitment to sustainability and addressing menstrual poverty.

“When we met with our CSI team, we asked how else we could give back in a meaningful and sustainable way, while also fighting menstruation poverty,” she said.

“We wanted to support a long-term impact, especially for a Grade Eight learner who has just started high school.

This dignity pack can last her until Grade 12. It will also ease the financial burden on parents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, by saving them money over the years. For us, that makes this initiative significant.”

A representative from Kibler Park Secondary School said, “We are thankful to Renault The Glen, Renault South Africa and Dignity Dreams for their continued support. This initiative restores dignity to our girls and gives them confidence and knowledge. It makes a difference in their lives and our school community.”

To donate, contact info@dignitydreams.com or 0861 3888 32. Donations ensure more girls and women live with dignity.