The possibilities that could be unlocked through the sanitary product developed by a final-year Psychology student at the University of the Free State (UFS) are becoming clear after many years\u2019 dedicated work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The product is the brainchild of Katleho Leqheku, founder and chair\u00adperson of the registered non-profit organisation Alnisa Continua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leqheku\u2019s idea for affordable and reusable sanitary products was conceived in 2019. During lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, she worked on putting the puzzle together as to how to get the product out on the market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The product has since been registered, and with the government putting standards in place pertaining to reusable sanitary products, Leqheku\u2019s product can find a foothold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said the product distinguished itself in two respects: being affordably priced and being reusable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe affordability of this sanitary towel involves the goal of making it accessible in most retail stores at only R3,\u201d said Leqheku. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She explained that the aim of producing this type of sanitary towel was to contribute to the fight against period poverty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAll too many young girls and women are unable to afford sanitary products due to their challenging backgrounds and end up using unhygienic ways to get by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI also noticed that most of my peers were struggling to afford sanitary towels and were too shy to seek help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leqheku said that the organisation was the best vehicle to popularise the product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI started the organisation because I saw a gap at the university residence, with no women empowerment and most female students not putting themselves out there to be heard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI realised that working together as a society, challenges such as period poverty, the stigmatisation of mental health issues and girl-on-girl hate can be overcome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe team aims to grow the organisation by working with high schools and opening branches outside the university. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leqheku said Alnisa Continua has embarked on health talks at half of students\u2019 residences on the Bloemfontein campus to support and awaken the sleeping giants in female students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe encourage students to believe that you are not defined by your background,\u201d said Leqheku.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The possibilities that could be unlocked through the sanitary product developed by a final-year Psychology student at the University of the Free State (UFS) are becoming clear after many years\u2019 dedicated 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