School girls to receive free sanitary towels

According to Sonke Gender Justice: "In Africa, the decision whether to buy a loaf of bread to satiate a grumbling stomach, or a sanitary pad to manage a young girl’s period is commonly made amongst households struggling to survive. And more often than not, the stomach wins."

Read: KZN sanitary towel project yields positive results in schools

This is a sad reality that many young South African girls are facing and though many initiatives have been started, the problem has not lessened. My mind still boggles at the price of sanitary products - they price them as if we have a choice. However, month in and month out we continue to splash the cash on an item that is a must-have and a necessity, not a choice!

The statistics of how many school days are missed due to girls not having the necessary support is ridiculous. Like anyone can afford not to get an education?! The problem is not just in high schools but girls as young as nine menstruate, therefore Primary schools also need the support. 

Read: #HeartStuff: Skating to help destitute girls receive reusable sanitary products

Due to girls not having sanitary towels they are forced to use alternative sanitary towels such as rags or newspapers, which could also affect their health as poor hygiene can increase susceptibility to infection. 

In a featured article on News24, plans by a South African political party are featured. The plan is to train unemployed women to make sanitary towels that will then be supplied to those girls that cannot afford them. The initiative is great, it aids in the unemployment sector and helps girls in need. 

The idea is based on the fact that male condoms are freely available at toilets and other public facilities, so sanitary towels must also be freely available, particularly for girl learners from poor and working-class families. 

I love this idea, yay for empowerment!