Menstrual health matters
Dignity Dreams launches booklet for schoolgirls on “Menstrual Matters”.
This was the key message at the launch of a new booklet on menstrual hygiene management at Olievenhoutbosch Primary School last Friday.
The 34-page booklet contains a menstrual calendar and tracker and was handed out to 50 grade 6 and 7 pupils.
It was compiled by Dignity Dreams, an NGO striving to give every girl in South Africa access to safe and hygienic sanitary products.
Apart from providing basic and factual information about menstruation and its hygienic management, the booklet clarifies some myths and taboos around menstruation.
Copies of the booklet are currently available in English and isiZulu and will be included in Dignity Dreams sanitary packs.
In the next four months, it will be translated into Sepedi, Setswana and isiXhosa with plans to roll out in additional languages.
The launch was held in honour of the UN’s International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11 October to promote girls’ human rights and highlights gender inequalities.
Dignity Dreams spokesperson Maselotsha Mphahlele said there was a lack of information on the process of menstruation and changes associated with puberty.
“The taboos surrounding this topic could also prevent girls and women from articulating their needs.”
Speaking at Olievenhoutbosch Primary School, founder and CEO of Dignity Dreams Sandra Millar said it was crucial to equip adolescent girls with adequate information on menstrual hygiene.
“It will empower them with knowledge which can ultimately enhance their self-esteem and academic performance,” she said.
“It took us many months to find the right partners to collaborate with on this initiative but we eventually received support from the Community Media Trust, a national NGO that produces educational programmes on health, human rights and gender-based violence as well as the Medical Women’s Association of South Africa.”
The content was reviewed by Drs. Nontuthuko Mvundla and Xolisile Nene from the Wits Reproductive and HIV Centre.
Along with the booklet launch, a “boy talk” with grade 6 and 7 pupils was presented by Brothers of Change, a non-profit organisation that promotes the positive image of male nurses within the nursing profession and community.
Speaking on the organisations involvement on the day, Gezane Baloyi said real change should start at home.
“The involvement of boys and men is key to the success of the gender equality movement, but changing long-held social structures and believes will not happen overnight.”
Baloyi said gender equity would remain a far-fetched dream if programmes with local relevance did not encourage men and boys to abandon harmful stereotypes.
They should embrace healthy, respectful relationships, and support the human rights of all people.
Partners and Friends of Dignity Dreams who attended the event included, Child Line South Africa, The Nelson Mandela Foundation, Pick and Pay, UPS, the Wits Reproductive and HIV Centre as well as Child Welfare.
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