Taboo subject leads to suffering among girls
Recent research conducted by Solidarity Helping Hand has shown that more than 10 per cent of the girls in less affluent schools do not have enough sanitary products to see them through the month.
THIS is something people don’t often discuss, especially in more conservative communities, and they often try to ignore the fact that this is happening.
However, the reality is that many girls miss up to 55 school days per year because they do not have the necessary sanitary products. Unfortunately, most girls are too embarrassed to talk about this problem.
Recent research conducted by Solidarity Helping Hand has shown that more than 10 per cent of the girls in less affluent schools do not have enough sanitary products to see them through the month. A further seven per cent indicated that they miss school because they do not have sufficient products.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that 50 per cent of the girls find it difficult to discuss their menstruation, even within their peer group. These girls are also unwilling to ask for help.
Following this research, Helping Hand has decided to launch the #HelpHanna Project. Through this project, the organisation seeks to support schools and impoverished girls with the necessary sanitary products on a monthly basis, thereby ensuring that this need does not prevent girls from going to school.
Hanna is a typical schoolgirl, living in difficult circumstances, and, therefore, she cannot afford sanitary products. However, she is not embarrassed to talk about her cycle and she encourages girls to ask for help.
The #HelpHanna Project fits in perfectly with Women’s Month. The project and report were officially launched and released on August 20, at Hoërskool Bastion, in Roodepoort.
Amalia Uys played Hannah and encouraged the girls of the school to talk about the problem and to obtain help.
By means of this project, special Hannah parcels with the necessary sanitary products, wet wipes and an antiperspirant will be donated to schools.
Keep our girls in school! SMS the word “helphanna” to 36989 and donate R10 to keep girls in school.
Schools interested in receiving parcels may contact the project organiser, Michelle Burger, on 012 644 4390, or send an e-mail to michelle@helpendehand.co.za.
