Young girls and women in need will now receive free sanitary towels at all municipal clinics across the City of Johannesburg.

The initiative was officially launched at Bophelong Clinic in Doornkop on Wednesday, December 17, by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development, Ennie Makhafola.

Makhafola said the sanitary towel programme, which she has been working on since 2023, aims to ensure that no young girl or woman is deprived of basic menstrual health products due to financial constraints.

“Every young girl and woman deserves access to sanitary towels,” Makhafola said, adding that the programme is rooted in protecting dignity and promoting equality.

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She stressed that menstruation is a natural biological process and not a matter of choice, noting that lack of access to sanitary products continues to affect the well-being and confidence of many young girls, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

According to Makhafola, the programme is expected to play a significant role in reducing school absenteeism, as many learners miss classes due to their inability to afford sanitary towels.

She further emphasised that access to proper menstrual products is essential for health and hygiene and should never place young girls at risk.

The City of Johannesburg said the initiative is the first of its kind to be rolled out by a metropolitan municipality in South Africa, marking a significant step towards addressing menstrual health challenges and promoting dignity for young girls and women.