WOMan NPO’s charity event defies setbacks to empower girls
The Run and Walk 4 a Period event, initially postponed by delays and financial hurdles, saw incredible community support as participants ran to collect sanitary pads for girls in need.
Despite facing unforeseen setbacks and challenges, the spirit of giving and determination remained alive during the first annual Run and Walk 4 a Period charity event hosted by WOMan NPO.
The initiative, aimed at raising one million sanitary pads for underprivileged school girls, is a testament to the community’s commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable through health, fitness, and education.
The chairperson Theophellous Chabalala explained: “Initially scheduled for February 1, this year, the event had to be rescheduled to March 1 because of the unavailability of JMPD officials, as they deployed their resources to the Soweto Derby.
“Further unexpected charges from various departments within the City of Johannesburg, despite our partnerships with the city and Gauteng provincial office, left us without the financial support we anticipated.”
Without sponsorships or confirmed registrations to help cover these costs, they again postponed the race to May 17.
“We engaged the public through social media, printed materials, and posters in community hot spots to encourage participation. While the repeated postponements presented challenges, we strategically decided to downgrade the event to a level that did not require JOC compliance,” highlighted Chabalala.
This allowed the organisation to go forward with a small but meaningful run, where six out of eight registered participants showed up to complete a 9km route between 07:00 and 08:20.
“We thank our stakeholders and supporters, including Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club for donating medals, T-shirts, caps, and water bottles, the City of Johannesburg for granting venue access, the Protection Force Security for offering free security services, and the many hands and hearts that helped bring this vision to life,” said the chairperson.
The organisers also thanked everyone who donated sanitary products. “This generosity will support our mission to empower girls and restore dignity,” added Chabalala.
As part of their commitment, they will distribute sanitary pads to 25 adopted schools once they reach their new pad milestone of 350 000 pads.
Chabalala emphasised: “As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘The true measure of a society is in how it treats its most vulnerable.’ We echo this message and invite the public to continue supporting our efforts.”
For more information or to donate, contact Chabalala on 076 926 1883.
