The One’s Fate Foundation’s sanitary towel initiative recently brought much-needed relief to girls in 13 schools across the Sarah Baartman District.
This initiative aims to promote menstrual health and hygiene by ensuring young girls have reliable access to essential products, allowing them to manage their periods with dignity and confidence.
It forms part of the foundation’s wider effort to address the challenges girls face during menstruation – in particular, school absenteeism due to a lack of sanitary products, which undermines academic performance and overall well-being.
By supplying sanitary towels directly to schools, the foundation strives to empower girls to remain in class, pursue their education, and reach their full potential.
The most recent distribution at Spandau Secondary School in Graaff-Reinet was warmly received by learners, teachers, and school administrators.
They expressed their appreciation, noting the initiative’s potential to improve attendance and academic outcomes for girls.
Mbulelo Tini, chairperson of the foundation, extended his appreciation to the guest speakers – Simamkele Happy Sithebe (Department of Education), Nomakhaya Nojoyi-Jack and Jeonic Botha (Department of Health), Keiwin Sydney Smith-Kayster (Eastcape Midlands College), Councillor Joy Williams, Aviwe Njani (Legal Aid South Africa), Beaulah Siyaya (former Colonel at SAPS), and Elsabe Moos (local netball team owner) – for sharing their insights.
“The question – Why can’t sanitary towels be free and condoms be sold? – was a striking reminder of the importance of prioritising menstrual health, and for this reason the foundation will continue to monitor the programme’s impact and explore ways to expand its reach to more schools in the district,” said Tini.
“Engagement with local stakeholders will also be prioritised to advocate for policies and programmes that support menstrual health and hygiene in schools.”
In addition to sanitary towel outreaches at schools, the foundation also extended its services to women at the Siyaphambili Women’s Shelter, Eastcape Midlands College, and the South African College for Tourism in Graaff-Reinet.
During these outreaches, hundreds of girls received sanitary towels and educational materials on menstrual health.
Tini emphasised that no outreach would have been possible without the support of stakeholders and sponsors.
He extended gratitude towards the Department of Education, Department of Health, Eastcape Midlands College, SANParks, Legal Aid South Africa, Spar, De Jagers, Markhams, Kelston Motor Group, Astron Garage, Chargo Garage, Christy’s Carwash and Cleaning Services, Mzomhle BnB, Jesa Accommodation, Ezamayirha Construction, and all members of the community who made their outreaches possible.
