At 14, Gabrielle Lesego Mashawana, fondly known as Gabby, decided she was not too young to make a difference. Now 16, the founder of the Lesego M Foundation continues to tackle period poverty and promote menstrual health education among young girls.

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Gabby’s work highlights how young women are using their voices to address issues affecting their communities.

Women’s Month is about recognising the contributions women make, including those that often happen quietly.
“It’s important to recognise what they do because as much as we’re quiet and we don’t do things out in the open, we do make a very big difference,” she said.

Gabby started her foundation because she wanted young girls to have someone they could relate to when discussing issues such as menstruation and period poverty.

“There are so many foundations that are also focused on this, but they’re not young, so they don’t relate,” she said.

Through the foundation, Gabby has participated in the Ke Mosetsana Campaign, visiting schools to distribute sanitary pads and speak to learners about menstruation, menstrual health and ways girls can support one another.

The conversations have also given her a deeper understanding of the different experiences young girls face.

“People are not going to school because of it – it’s different experiences from each of the girls that I speak to,” she said.

Gabby believes education is equally important, particularly for girls who may not receive enough information about menstruation at home.

“I’m trying to educate people that menstruation happens. You’re going to go through this, and you’re not going to die; it really is okay,” she said.

Starting young was not without challenges. Gabby said one of her biggest obstacles was getting people to take her seriously while she was still in Grade Nine. Her father challenged her to demonstrate her commitment by preparing a presentation about her plans, which she did. She also credits her mother as her biggest inspiration.

Looking ahead, Gabby hopes to develop her own sanitary pad and expand the foundation’s reach while encouraging private schools to support public schools through regular donations.

Her message to other young women with ideas is simple: “Put your pride aside or put your fears aside and just do it.”

For Gabby, Women’s Month is not simply about celebrating women’s achievements but recognising that young women can also lead, speak up and create meaningful change.