SABS approves standard for reusable sanitary towels in a first for Southern Africa
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities notes that many women and girls face significant challenges when it comes to managing their menstrual cycle and often struggle, due to lack of access to affordable sanitary products.
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has passed a washable, reusable sanitary towel standard, the first of its kind in Southern Africa – leading the way for other African countries to follow. The announcement was made today, May 28, International Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) welcomed the news and said it allows women and girls another safe option to manage their menstruation.
“DWYPD offered support and guidance through the standards process. Women and girls need safe choices to manage their menstruation. Support offered by the department demonstrates the commitment the government has in meeting the diverse menstrual health needs of women and girls in South Africa through the Sanitary Dignity Implementation Framework,” said a department spokesman.
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The department noted that many women and girls face significant challenges when it comes to managing their menstrual cycle and often struggle, due to lack of access to affordable sanitary products. This hurdle, along with the stigma that surrounds menstruation, can cause both emotional and physical harm.
With this new SABS standard, the department said, consumers can be confident that a washable, reusable menstrual pad offers women and girls an option that is more affordable than a single use pad.
“Due to restrictions in supply from regulations to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, there is general increase in the need for sanitary products for destitute families. The lockdown period also disrupted the normal sanitary dignity programme delivery channels such as schools. Displacement or relocation to places of safety and shelters have also left women and girls without access to sanitary products.”
The South African Coalition for Menstrual Health and Management (SACMHM) Products, Standards and Supply Chain Task Committee member Diana Nelson has commended the government and SABS for their support even during Covid-19 pandemic.
“They worked to advance this important standard to help meet the diverse needs of women and girls in South Africa. The health and safety of women and girls menstruating is of utmost importance to our organisation, and that is why we are encouraged by the outstanding dedication of the government to ensure this standard was published,” said Nelson.
Days for Girls International was also on the Washable Task Committee working on the development of the standard for the past two years.
Director of Social Empowerment and Participation in the Department of Women, Sipiwo Matshoba, said the new standard puts South Africa on the map as a leader in the menstrual health and hygiene sector.
“This is an important and exciting milestone that we have reached in order to broaden product choice in line with the sanitary dignity implementation framework,” said Matshoba.
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