To promote the well-being of schoolgirls and address the need for sanitary products, Netcare Krugersdorp Hospital launched its Girls Pads Drive and Soap for Boys campaign.

According to hospital manager Bashear Sarwan, they chose the Matla Combined School near the Cradle of Humankind to benefit from this campaign.

“For many, access to sanitary pads remains a luxury. Too many young girls miss school, feel ashamed or suffer in silence because they cannot afford basic menstrual products. Through this pad drive, we are saying you matter. For boys, we are equally committed. By providing soap, we are teaching our boys the value of self-care, respect and responsibility,” Bashear said.

Bashear emphasised that the initiative goes beyond providing pads and soap as it aims to break taboos, promote equality and nurture a culture of care.

“It is about ensuring that no boy or girl feels invisible or unworthy because of circumstances beyond their control,” he concluded.