Protea Glen learners receive reusable pads and health talk
The City of Johannesburg African Transformation Movement Youth League handed over 150 packs of reusable sanitary pads to Protea Glen Primary learners, while also hosting vital talks on menstrual health and girl safety.
In a meaningful initiative aimed at empowering young girls and addressing crucial health and safety issues, the City of Johannesburg African Transformation Movement Youth League (COJATMYL) recently handed over 150 packs of five reusable sanitary pads each to grades six and seven learners at Protea Glen Primary School.
The event, which was attended by key stakeholders including ATMYL’s organiser Rethabile Manoto, and representative Priya Ranchod, SAPS FCS Soweto Unit Sergeant Mulalo Makwarela, and clerk Tsholo Jacobs, marked an important step in both raising awareness around menstrual health and combating the challenges faced by girls in South Africa.
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In addition to the donation, the event provided an opportunity to engage the learners in an open conversation about key issues surrounding girlhood, including the importance of maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle, the significance of regular menstruation, and the dangers of unwanted touching.
The discussions also included critical guidance on who to contact in an emergency, as well as addressing other safety concerns affecting young girls today.
Manoto and Ranchod led the conversations to break down stigmas associated with menstruation and highlight how such basic needs should never prevent girls from attending school.
The handover, which included 150 packs of sanitary pads, emphasised the link between education and access to proper menstrual health products.
“The sanitary towels, each containing five pads, were generously donated by the Johannesburg-based Spiritual Chords Foundation.
“The event was seen as a clear demonstration of COJATMYL’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by young girls and ensure they can continue their education without hindrance.
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“Girls should never have to feel embarrassed about their menstrual cycles, and they must never miss school because of it. Access to sanitary products is not just a health issue – it’s a matter of social justice,” Ranchod said.
The importance of tackling these issues in a community setting was underscored by Sergeant Mulalo Makwarela from SAPS FCS, who spoke on safety and how empowering young girls with knowledge about their bodies can serve as a protective measure against the dangers of abuse and violence.
The COJATMYL continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of young girls across the City of Johannesburg, with this donation forming part of their wider campaign to address menstrual health and combat GBVF.
