WATCH: Bontle Modiselle and P&G keep girls in school
Media personality, Bontle Modiselle said that observing Menstrual Hygiene Day is important because there are too many stigmas around menstruation that need to be addressed.
South African choreographer, media personality, and ambassador of the #BloodSister Network, Bontle Modiselle, celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day at The Garden Venue Hotel in Northriding on May 30. The event, supported by global consumer goods leader Procter & Gamble (P&G), highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to combat period poverty and keep girls in school through the #BloodSister Network.
The day began with a panel discussion focused on raising awareness about the taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene management, improving access to menstrual products, and fostering a supportive community. During the event, P&G unveiled a new initiative. The company will sponsor the tertiary education tuition for five girls as part of its commitment to supporting young women’s futures. Moreover, the event saw the unveiling of P&G’s progress in its mission to empower girls through education and access to essential menstrual products.
Cassie Janganyi, P&G’s communications lead, emphasised the company’s long-standing commitment to addressing period poverty. “P&G has been supporting Menstrual Hygiene Day and period poverty for the last 15 years across the country through our programs ‘Always Keeping Girls in School’, and our recent and new programme, ‘Blood Sisters’. Through these programs we’ve been able to reach over 1 million girls, donating 30 million pads across the continent.”
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@caxtonjoburgnorth Media personality @Bontle Modiselle celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day at The Garden Venue Hotel in Northriding. #caxtonjoburgnorth#localnews#randburgsun
Janganyi highlighted the importance of building a community and shifting the narrative around menstrual health. “We want to build community and conversation. We want to be challenging the stigmas around menstrual hygiene and health. Because today, there is a lot of work that needs to happen to shift the narrative and to shift the conversation.”
Modiselle shared her passionate perspective on the issue, highlighting the stark realities faced by many South African girls. “I sincerely believe that every girl should be in school. One in three girls within the South African context misses school because it’s that time of the month and they don’t have the necessary information or product to be able to show up for school, which in turn affects her future, which in turn affects her role in society.”
She stressed the importance of observing Menstrual Hygiene Day. “There are too many stigmas and misunderstandings, there are too many difficulties in and around the conversation, and so we need to do something about it.”
Clarissa Harris, senior market strategy and planning manager at P&G provided insight into why menstrual issues remain taboo. “I think there are several reasons why periods are still taboo. And I think the first one that pops out really is that there’s a lack of understanding,” she said.
Harris noted that cultural and religious beliefs contribute to the stigmatisation of menstruation, which leads to gender inequality and harmful stereotypes.
Modiselle also highlighted the importance of leveraging her platform to effect change. “Living beyond the likes and applause and the comments, but also cultivating or using that community, because ultimately that’s what I’ve created, driving them in the direction in which I feel we’re able to address people’s needs.”
Modiselle’s involvement aims to make conversations about menstrual health more accessible and less stigmatised.
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