A care campaign that envisions giving girl learners the confidence to focus on their education is expected to extend from a launch in the Free State to a national effort reaching hundreds of beneficiaries. Energy company Engen has launched its 2026 Menstrual Care Campaign in Kroonstad, providing reusable sanitary pad packs to schoolgirls in a bid to combat period poverty and keep learners in class.
The initiative was launched on Tuesday, ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, with donations made to learners at Phephetso Secondary School and Lovedale Primary School.
Each school received 100 reusable sanitary pad packs produced by proudly South African brand Palesa Pads, along with cleaning kits and menstrual health education materials. The pads can be reused for up to five years, offering a sustainable alternative to disposable products.
The campaign forms part of Engen’s broader effort to address period poverty, which continues to affect millions of girls across South Africa and often results in learners missing school during their menstrual cycles.
ALSO READ: Free pads initiative to fight period poverty and support girls’ education
Engen’s corporate social investment manager, Olwethu Mdabula, said access to menstrual care was essential for girls’ education and wellbeing.
“We cannot expect girls to thrive academically if they are forced to miss school every month due to period poverty,” Mdabula said.
“This campaign is about restoring dignity and giving young women the confidence to focus on their education.”
The reusable products are manufactured by Sherie ‘Palesa’ de Wet, founder of Palesa Pads, who said providing reliable menstrual care helps young girls participate fully in school life.
The programme will now be rolled out nationally, with plans to reach about 800 girls across several provinces.
