Sinethemba’s sanitary pad campaign to empower girls
As their periods prevent some girls attending school for at least one week a month, it has long term effects on their schooling.
Young women deserve to feel empowered and unashamed about their bodies – they should be able to experience their periods with dignity – this is the message that the Sinethemba Foundation aims to deliver through its sanitary pad campaign.
Girls at two schools in need in Gamalakhe will benefit from the project.
“We chose this campaign because it speaks of our values of empowering young women and reminding them that complete strangers still care,” said the organisation’s Sinethemba Mgungwana.
The campaign which is taking place throughout Women’s Month has been receiving donations from individuals to help the foundation purchase pads from black female owned pad companies and retail stores.
Some of the frustrations experienced by girls who are unable to access sanitary pads include missing out on school, as well as not being part of social activities; using other materials as substitutes for pads; and the embarrassment that comes with an ‘accident’ at school because of the use of unhygienic materials.
“The girls we have been in contact with feel very ashamed. They view their lack of access as punishment. The same effort that is put into making condoms accessible should be given to sanitary pads,” added Sinethemba.
As their periods prevent some girls attending school for at least one week a month, it has long term effects on their schooling.
“Education is a basic human right but it’s a right that young women cannot fully enjoy because of something as natural as ‘that time of the month’. These girls fall behind on their school work, or in worse cases drop out.
“This not only affects their education and social activities, but their psychological health because of the embarrassment,” said Sinethemba.
The community can assist with the campaign by purchasing pads and dropping them off at Office 4A, Portston Centre, 44 Aiken Street, Port Shepstone.
Sinethemba Foundation is based in Margate and opened its doors at the beginning of the year. It is a registered non-profit organisation with the Department of Social Development.
“Our objectives are to involve, empower, and enlighten young women and children through community participation and engagement. We aim to put them in places they never thought they would be in, and to open doors for them to grow outside our foundation,” explained Sinethemba.
It will also take up the fight against gender-based violence, child abuse and unemployment.
Unfortunately due to Covid-19, most of its projects were derailed. “The sanitary pad drive is our first official project, which we are really excited about. We also hope to hold a career exhibition before the end of the year.
As a B Com accounting graduate Sinethemba (24) is passionate about numbers and making a difference. She matriculated at Port Shepstone High and completed her degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Her focus for the next few years is to set-up offices around KwaZulu-Natal and collaborate with other NPOs, public and private sector because ”making a difference is a team effort”.
To join the foundation as a volunteer, email Sinethembaf.npo@gmail.com or on 083 253 5081.
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