​Mandela Day has come and gone but July is still a month dedicated to honouring the legacy of Madiba.​ ​Region B employees went out to Westbury Primary School to donate sanitary towels for girls and roll-ons for boys at Westbury Primary School. The employees were moved by period poverty, which is a huge challenge in South Africa.

The majority of young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds are forced to miss out on school because they lack access to sanitary products. Besides the stigma of having periods, young girls end up being teased by their peers for not being able to buy sanitary pads. Those who can’t afford end up using clothing materials.

According to Unicef, it is estimated that three out of 10 girls in South Africa miss school during their periods each month.

Research by Gabi Khumalo in 2015 revealed that adolescent girls in South Africa who are in their periods can miss up to five days of school a month due to lack of resources.

The principal of Westbury Primary, Oros Roskin, confirmed this by noting. “Several of our children end up having self-esteem issues when they can’t afford sanitary pads, which affects the attendance rate. We really appreciate your generosity as it will make a huge impact to our learners.”

One of the teachers at the school, Waseela Yusuf, further noted: “We have a lot of vulnerable children in the school. As a result, they end up not attending when they are in their periods to avoid messing themselves up. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.”

25.07.2022