Period poverty may affect millions of South African girls, but one local organisation is working to ensure it does not disrupt the future of about 180 Ivory Park Secondary School matrics.

Kyma Yoga Flow delivered sanitary pad care bags to the school’s matric class on November 18, highlighting the urgent need for menstrual health support in disadvantaged communities. Kyma Yoga Flow is a women-led wellness organisation offering yoga, mindfulness, and community upliftment programmes.

The initiative followed a yoga fundraiser where community members donated products or money, enabling the purchase of 360 packs of sanitary pads. With the funds raised, the organisation’s founder, Chevonne Ramharuk purchased 360 packs of sanitary pads, which were repackaged into 180 care bags, each containing two packs.

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The care bags were handed to the matric learners on November 18 with a message of encouragement centred on wellness, dignity, and empowerment. Chevonne said the aim was not only to support the girls during the exam period but also to highlight and challenge the ongoing issue of period poverty in South Africa.

“Through wellness events that give back to the community, we want to address period poverty, which affects about seven million South African women, and help destigmatise menstruation,” she said. “It should never be treated as impure or something to hide.”

Chevonne said she was inspired to start the pad drive after learning how many learners still missed school because they did not have access to menstrual products. Ivory Park Secondary School was selected based on clear need and an open willingness to collaborate.

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“Supporting the matric girls felt especially important. They deserve to complete their exams with dignity, comfort and confidence.”

She noted that many learners relied on makeshift materials such as rolled-up toilet paper or stayed at home during their periods, a reality that impacted their self-esteem, health, and academic performance.

Behind the scenes, a team of supporters helped ensure the drive ran smoothly. Ursula Ramharuk, Robyn Ramharuk, and Monica Makhaza assisted with the purchasing, sorting, and distribution of pads. Shoprite Midrand manager Lucas Masinga played a key role in accommodating the large purchase for the cause.

Community members Lerato Saasa and Thembakazi Sixaxa assisted in identifying the school’s needs, liaising with staff, and ensuring the care bags reached the girls who needed them most. Chevonne extended her gratitude to every donor and volunteer who contributed.

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