In many parts of South Africa, access to basic hygiene products like sanitary pads remains a significant challenge for thousands of young girls. For these girls, the start of their menstrual cycle doesn’t just mark a natural bodily change—it often signals a week of missed school, shame, and isolation. But with as little as R14, you can help a girl stay in school, keep her dignity, and continue pursuing her dreams.
Meet Lindiwe, a 15-year-old schoolgirl from a small township in South Africa. Lindiwe is bright, ambitious, and dreams
of becoming a doctor one day. But for the past two years, every time her period starts, her dreams seem just a little
further out of reach. Not because of her grades or her effort, but because she doesn’t have access to something many of
us take for granted: sanitary pads.
Like many other girls in her community, Lindiwe’s family cannot afford the basic hygiene products needed to manage her
period. Each month, when the time comes, she faces a heartbreaking decision: attend school and risk the embarrassment of
leaking, or stay home and miss valuable lessons, falling further behind.
“I don’t want my classmates to see that I’m not like them,” says Lindiwe, her voice barely above a whisper. “So, I stay
home. But every day I miss school, it’s harder to catch up. It’s like I’m losing the future I dream about.”
Lindiwe’s story is not unique. Across South Africa, an estimated one in ten girls miss school during their periods
because they cannot afford sanitary pads. This issue—often referred to as "period poverty"—affects girls in rural and
impoverished communities the most, where the cost of sanitary products can mean choosing between an education and
staying home for days at a time.
When girls miss school due to menstruation, they fall behind in their studies, which affects their academic performance,
self-esteem, and ultimately, their future opportunities. It perpetuates the cycle of poverty and inequality, keeping
girls from breaking through to brighter, more empowered futures.
But there’s hope.
We believe that no girl should have to choose between managing her period and going to school. That’s why we’re asking
for your help.
For just R14, you can provide a young girl like Lindiwe with a month’s worth of sanitary pads. That small amount can
make a world of difference. With this simple donation, a girl won’t have to miss school because of her period. She can
stay in class, continue learning, and have the chance to reach her full potential.
Imagine the difference you can make. With a donation of R14, you can:
Together, we can break down the barriers that prevent young girls from getting an education. Your contribution, no matter how small, is part of a larger movement toward gender equality, education, and dignity for all.
Every girl deserves to have the tools to manage her period with dignity and continue her education without interruption.
By donating R14, you’re not just providing sanitary pads—you’re providing an opportunity for a brighter future.
Together, we can ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period. Donate today and help keep girls in school,
where they belong.