Gugulethu Maseko (15) is using the Miss Teen Elite Global South Africa pageant to fight gender-based violence (GBV) and raise awareness of period poverty.

Gugulethu is a finalist in the competition and plans to use the platform to highlight the challenges that leave young girls vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Raised in a home where respect, ubuntu and strong values were prioritised over material possessions, Gugulethu said her upbringing taught her that a girl’s worth is not determined by what she wears or owns, but by knowing who she is.

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Growing up, she noticed that some girls missed school because they could not afford sanitary products. She said the experience opened her eyes to how period poverty can affect girls’ confidence, education and vulnerability.

Being selected as a finalist has strengthened her sense of responsibility towards girls who struggle to speak out about abuse and inequality.

“It is not just about me being a finalist,” Gugulethu said.

“It means I now have a bigger microphone to speak for girls in Mpumalanga who cannot speak for themselves about GBV and menstrual dignity.”

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Campaign aims to support 150 learners

Gugulethu believes leadership is not only about speaking against social challenges, but also taking action. Inspired by her mother and South African personalities Natasha Joubert, Mia le Roux and Luyanda Zuma, she said real leadership requires courage, consistency and a willingness to help others.

Despite balancing school, household responsibilities and her campaign, Gugulethu remains determined to make a practical difference. She is working towards donating sanitary products to 150 girls at Somcuba Primary School.

She believes this can help girls attend school with confidence and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

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“The hardest part is that I currently do not have the pads and sponsorship fee,” Gugulethu said.

“Asking for help is difficult, but it has taught me what many GBV victims feel – being afraid to ask. I push through because 150 girls are counting on me and their dignity cannot wait.”

She is appealing to individuals, businesses and organisations to support her initiative by donating sanitary pads, offering mentorship or inviting her to speak to learners about GBV and self-worth.

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Ambition extends to youth foundation

For Gugulethu, the impact she hopes to make goes beyond the pageant. In five years, she sees herself studying at university and running a youth foundation in Mpumalanga that educates girls about GBV, self-worth and menstrual dignity.

Her message to other young girls is that they should never be afraid to speak up, set boundaries or ask for help from a trusted adult, teacher or family member.

“GBV does not start with a slap,” Gugulethu said. “It starts when we make a girl feel worthless because she is poor or because she is menstruating.”

As she prepares for the pageant finale on November 14, Gugulethu hopes the people of Mpumalanga will support her campaign and help her reach her target of collecting 150 sanitary packs.