Layla Mohamed and #18GirlChild celebrate the occasion that started it all
The Red Movement South Africa through Move Africa joined forces to help local high school
A milestone offers a time to pause and appreciate the great flourishing of planted seeds.
In September 2019, a then matric learner made a selfless decision to put the needs of those less fortunate than her first. As Layla Mohamed celebrates her 20th birthday, the perpetually growing movement of change she created on her birthday gets one year older too. In that short space of time, #18GirlChild has touched the lives of thousands of young girls in need and is showing no signs of relenting.
The senior girls of Florida Park High School were next in line on Layla’s conveyer belt of charitability. Together with Nerika Turner and the team from The Red Movement South Africa, they made a hefty donation of reusable feminine hygiene products to Parkies’ social support project. The end goal is to provide relief to disadvantaged girls who lose valuable time in the classroom due to lack of adequate access to female hygiene products.
The event began with an educational talk from Kabelo Mokoni from The Red Movement who discussed the benefits of menstrual cups as well as dispelling common misconceptions. The cups are ideal for those without financial resources as the reusable item may last for up to 10 years if properly cared for. They are also suitable for sports, swimming and sleeping in comfort.
Nerika, the key component in the fundraising machine, helped secure the donation of 200 silicone menstrual cups. The products retail for anything between R200 and R1 000, and every donation helps to alleviate the stress and strain on teenage girls in difficulty. “Our fight is to continuing to break the stigma around menstrual cycles. Our project aims to empower girls and get them talking about their bodies,” said Nerika.
Two years on, Layla has no regrets at putting others ahead of her material desires, and feels empowered by the decision to pursue life on her own terms. “I am living my dream. If you have a dream, never let anyone tell you otherwise,” said Layla to the Parkies girls. Urging them to stand together, she added, “Please can we encourage each other, lift each other up. Girls don’t need other girls pushing them down.”
With a simple message and an unwilting determination, Layla’s fight for the girl child goes on.
