Local girls’ foundation helps single dads raise women

A Noordwyk-based girls’ foundation aims to take parenting to the next level and openly talk to single dads about their daughters’ menstruation cycles.

For the next five years, A Million Girls Foundation will host virtual Dads Talk sessions on Instagram aimed at teaching single fathers how to raise their daughters, and imparting knowledge so they are better prepared to support their daughters when they experience their first periods.
Founder of the organisation Quincy Molope said, “A young woman’s first period can be stressful if she does not have the appropriate support. However, the transition from girlhood to womanhood can be even more challenging if her mother or a mother-figure is not around to guide her through it.”
She said they wanted fathers to understand what was happening to a girl’s body during that time, how to help her manage her moods and pain, and debunk any myths or misconceptions about menstruation.

“We want to ensure girls have an uninterrupted schooling experience by providing them with sustainable and long-term solutions during their menstrual cycle. In short, the foundation provides period freedom to girls by distributing menstrual cup kits that contain three differently-sized cups to accommodate period flow and cervix size, a sterilising unit, a carry pouch, and an instruction booklet on how to use the menstrual cups.”

The foundation was founded in 2021 when Molope learned from research conducted by the University of Stellenbosch that an estimated 3.7 million girls in the country could not afford sanitary products and 30% missed school when they were on their periods.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated globally on May 28.

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https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/287047/pads-donated-to-schools/