IN 2023, Our Lady of Fatima Dominican Convent School learner Kajol Ramlachan watched a TV programme that would change her life and give her a purpose to help other girls in need.

The programme was on Period Poverty, which showcased the lack of access to affordable menstrual products.

This spurred Kajol on and she decided to start collecting packs of sanitary pads to make a difference and to show that menstruation should never be considered shameful.

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The Grade Nine learner is currently collecting sanitary pads and since starting three years ago she has collected more than 2 000 packs.

“I believe that every young girl should have access to these essential hygiene products. It’s important to me because giving back is something that has been instilled in me from a very young age. No matter how small, I knew it would make a difference in a few girls’ lives and help break the cycle.

“After watching a programme on TV about Period Poverty and seeing the number of girls that don’t attend school due to this, I decided that I wanted to try and make a difference. I started a sanitary pad drive three years ago and this initiative is very close to my heart. It is aimed at collecting and distributing sanitary pads to girls at schools who lack access to these essential hygiene products,” she explained.

Kajol had already donated packs to underprivileged schools and organisations who request help for sanitary towels.

If you would like to contribute you can email Kajol’s mother on samantha.ramlachan77@gmail.com.

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