Period poverty in South Africa affects girls and women by preventing them from working and going to school. Up to 4.7 million South African girls do not have access or cannot afford to buy sanitary products, meaning that many of them either stay at home during their periods or use old clothes and newspapers as sanitary pads.  This is unhygienic and can cause other health problems and infections. Often, girls and women must choose between buying food and sanitary products because of the costs forcing them to face the health and social consequences.

Period Poverty in Schools

An estimated 30% of South African girls do not attend school while they are on their period because they do not have sanitary products. Many who do attend experience period-related mishaps because they do not have access to the proper sanitary products which results in teasing and reinforces a stigma surrounding periods.

As more girls miss school while menstruating, it is more difficult for them to learn. With limited education, there is less of a chance for girls to lift themselves and their communities out of poverty. This is the crux of period poverty in South Africa.

A step towards resolving Period Poverty

On the 6 August African Angels Days for Girls (DfG) Enterprise and handed out the first batch of sponsored DfG washable pads to 70 girls at Thoboshana School in East London. 

A huge thank you to Arcadia Rotary for sponsoring this drive which will help to reduce period poverty by shattering the stigma and limitations associated with menstruation. By doing so, we are improving access to education and providing more opportunities for our South African girls and their communities to succeed.

If you would like to join the campaign to reduce period poverty, you can order kits for donation from Lou Billett on +27 76 555 4711 or email loukbillett@gmail.com

To order and pay for your personal kits please navigate to our website https://sponsoranangel.org/a-days-for-girls-enterprise/