TotalEnergies South Africa is continuing its fight against period poverty with the Dignity Pack Project.
Launched in 2023, the initiative provides essential menstrual hygiene products to schools, following a Stellenbosch University study that revealed 30% of young girls in South Africa lack access to these necessities.
Speaking at a recent handover event, Baxolile Msomi, Communications and CSI Manager at TotalEnergies South Africa, emphasised the importance of ongoing dialogue with local communities.
She said: “Through these conversations, we’ve seen first-hand the significant toll that period poverty takes on young girls in South Africa.
“Many are missing school simply because they don’t have access to the necessary menstrual products.”
This year, in partnership with the Umtshayelo Foundation, the project took a significant step forward by introducing and handing just under 2 000 reusable sanitary towels to schools.
Qhayiya Secondary School in Zwelihle was one of four schools in the province to have received these Dignity Packs.
Each school received a supply of reusable sanitary towels, designed to last up to three years, providing a long-term solution to learners affected by period poverty.
“Period poverty is not just a social issue,” said Msomi, “but also an educational issue that affects the futures of young women across South Africa. “The introduction of reusable sanitary towels this year offers a sustainable solution that will have a lasting impact, empowering these girls to attend school consistently and confidently.”
