Izinga Ridge NPO aims to uplift young women
The Lifetree Foundation has donated around 6 000 reusable sanitary pads to underprivileged communities in KZN.
THE lack of access to sanitary pads and the taboo around menstruation are factors that hinder the progress of young women in South Africa.
That’s according to Izinga Ridge resident, Maashi Rampersad, who through her non-profit organisation, Lifetree Foundation has donated around 6 000 reusable sanitary pads to underprivileged communities in KZN.
“The aim of the foundation is to give back and address basic needs that can uplift young women by empowering them and enriching the lives of people in our community. I embarked on a campaign during Women’s Month to sponsor and donate reusable sanitary pads to underprivileged communities. We have visited and distributed these reusable sanitary pads to a number of less fortunate high schools where each female learner were provided with three reusable sanitary pads.
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“The cloth pads provide a sustainable solution to help girls and women with their menstruation each month with dignity. They are high quality pads that are washable and reusable for up to five years. For many women and girls a lack of menstrual care means missing days at school or work and putting their education and career at risk. It’s something I’ve actively researched and found there was a great need as economic hardships and accessibility were just some of the reasons making it hard for the underprivileged to access,” Rampersad said.
She added the donations were made possible by various corporate sponsors.
“Their generous donations have made this possible and it is thanks to them that I’m able to continue my outreach work. I think in order to bridge the gap we need to be more honest about period poverty and access to sanitary pads. It is an absolute essential for women and young girl and yet so many don’t have access to them,” she said.
Rampersad added she aims to manufacture the reusable sanitary pads locally to reach more young women around the province.
To find out more about the initiative or to support the NPO, contact 082 048 1444 or email maashirampersad@gmail.com.
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