2024 and Sanitary Pads are Still Not Free

Menstruation remains a nightmare for many young girls in South Africa, with 7 million girls missing school and sports activities, for three to seven days each month due to a lack of access to, or the inability to afford, sanitary products.

Period poverty not only disempowers women, but it also has a negative impact on their health, as some resort to using unsanitary materials such as old rags, toilet paper, garments, and newspapers during their menstrual period. These alternatives may cause health issues and infections.

In 2024, the challenge remains: menstrual products are still not freely available. This year alone, domestically, the revenue generated in the feminine hygiene market is a significant amount of US$ 0.40 billion (about R7.6 billion) and is forecasted to grow annually at a rate of 6.58% (CAGR 2024-2029). Considering that the general cost of living is higher this year, making menstrual products even more expensive, this highlights the ongoing struggle many families still face.

Period poverty and restore the pride and dignity of young girls

Murugas Sisterhood is back with its annual Sanitary Pad Drive – Durban (DBN) Chapter. Founded last year, this social motorcycle club is dedicated to reaching and supporting communities in need and is returning to assist young girls from KwaZulu-Natal who lack access to sanitary products.

“We engage in a lot of community outreach, be it in the form of distributing food parcels or offering hands-on assistance to families in need. Outreach is very close to our hearts, and we firmly believe that you never become poor by giving,” said Juliet Chetty, Head of Sisterhood Durban Chapter.

The riders previously collected over 20,000 sanitary towels, which they donated to two disadvantaged schools and a haven that provides a temporary home for children seeking refuge from abuse. This year’s goal is to distribute 30,000 sanitary towels to five charities that work with vulnerable girls.

Murugas Sisterhood organised a Hats and Heels luncheon in Durban on Women’s Day, an inspiring event for women. The topics discussed on the day included women’s empowerment, women’s health, and financial wellness. Attendees were requested to donate a pack of sanitary towels, which were to be added to the 4,800 packs previously collected. In total, the group managed to reach its goal, collecting 30,000 sanitary towel packs this year. All donated pads will be sent to the five groups on 17 August.

Guided by the belief of ‘Because we can, we must,’ South Africa’s leading fibre network operator, Vuma, has joined forces with Muragas Sisterhood for their annual sanitary pad drive. “As citizens of this country, we have a responsibility to support initiatives that aim to uplift young girls and help restore their dignity, both in academics and social settings.

By helping Murugas Sisterhood in achieving the goal to distribute 30,000 sanitary towels in this year’s pad drive, we are ensuring that young girls are not left behind due to challenges beyond their control, such as menstruation,” says Scelo Zulu, Regional Manager at Vuma.

For sponsorship or donation queries, contact Juliet Chetty at julietchetty37@gmail.com.