A student-led non-profit organisation (NPO) recently donated 1 190 sanitary pads to a local secondary school. This is according to Nothando Ndlovu, the fundraising manager at Cambiare, a local charity organisation.
Cambiare, which launched on 2 January, donated the sanitary pads to Makupula Secondary School in Kayamandi on 26 August, in partnership with Huis Russel Botman House, a Stellenbosch University residence, according to Ndlovu.
Packaged sanitary pads from the Stellenbosch public’s donations to Makupele Secondary School in Kayamandi. “[Cambiare’s] plans relied on friends, families, colleagues, and fellow students to help collect the pads,” said Nothando Ndlovu, Cambiare’s fundraising manager. Cambiare is a local non-profit organisation launched on 2 January that is aimed at channelling resources for the betterment of the fragile, the less advantaged, and the poor, according to Cambiare’s official website. PHOTO: Supplied/Nothando Ndlovu
“When we started, our initial goal was to support just 100 girls,” said Ndlovu. “After speaking with the school, we learned there are just over 500 girls, so we amended our target to reach all of them.”
The pad drive began after Cambiare realised that period poverty was one of the pressing societal issues that is experienced predominantly by those living under the poverty line, according to Ndlovu.
Period poverty is “the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health”, according to the UN Women website.
Makupula Secondary School was chosen due to the overt barriers to accessing menstrual products faced by the school’s female students, she said.
Sanitary pads were stored in boxes at Huis Russel Botman House, a Stellenbosch University residence, before they were donated to Makupula Secondary High School on 26 August. This is according to Nothando Ndlovu, fundraising manager at Cambiare, a student-led non-profit organisation. PHOTO: Supplied/Nothando Ndlovu
“Period poverty affects education, self-esteem, and health,” said Unarine Amandah Sikitime, the founder of Cambiare. “By addressing it, we’re investing in equality and the future of our communities.”
‘Not something to be embarrassed about’
The Stellenbosch local initiative hopes to open conversations about menstrual health, according to Ndlovu.
“Missing school or feeling embarrassed shouldn’t be part of growing up, and we wanted to help change that,” she said.
IN FRONT: Unarine Amandah Sikitime, founder of Cambaire; Lwandisile Mhlanga, Huis Russel Botman House (HRBH) outgoing chairperson, STANDING from left to right: Nothando Ndlovu, fundraising manager; Ndivho Nagana, program manager and volunteer coordinator; Ndivuwo Mukhaninga, monitoring and evaluation officer; Asemi Ntsokolo, HRBH social media manager and social impact. “Packaging [the sanitary pads] is discreet and we coordinate with teachers to ensure comfort and respect during distribution,” said Ndlovu. “We want every girl to feel safe and valued while receiving the pads.” PHOTO: Supplied
“Educating students about menstrual health normalises the conversation, promotes hygiene, and empowers both girls and boys to understand and support one another,” said Sikitime.
Policies that provide free or affordable menstrual products in schools and public spaces are necessary in reducing the stigma around menstruation, according to Sikitime, who said that these policies ought to include education on menstrual health.
The role of men in advocating for access to menstrual products, supporting awareness campaigns, and helping challenge stigma is important, said Sikitime.
Huis Russel Botman House (HRBH), a senior students’ residence at Stellenbosch University. Cambiare, a student-led non-profit organisation, recently collaborated with HRBH, who assisted them with transport for collecting the sanitary pads and delivering them to Makupula Secondary School in Kayamandi. This is according to Nothando Ndlovu, Cambiare’s fundraising manager. PHOTO: Ishmael Mabena
“By including boys in education and conversation, we show them that menstruation is not something to hide or be embarrassed about,” said Ndlovu.“Men and boys can be supporters, advocates, and allies once they understand the impact menstrual health has on girls’ lives.”