The Cillié High School recently hosted a comprehensive empowerment event for female learners, focusing on menstrual hygiene and self-empowerment.
The event successfully reached over 600 students, providing them with essential resources and knowledge to support their health, well-being, and confidence.
In partnership with several organisations, including Miet Afrika, the Department of Health, Vistarus Mission Station, Dr Viljoen Primary School, Kellygirl Skills Academy, Nelson Mandela University, and Mpuma Kapa TV, the initiative was aimed at destigmatising menstrual health, and promoting the importance of self-empowerment among young women.
Learners received free sanitary pads, ensuring that these essential products were accessible to those in need.
The programme included informative sessions on menstrual hygiene management, led by health professionals and experts in the field. Students engaged in discussions on self-empowerment, exploring topics such as body positivity, self-esteem, and goal-setting.
The event also provided opportunities for students to interact with community leaders and health professionals, fostering a sense of connection and support.
“Empowering young women with knowledge and resources is vital for their confidence and success,” said NMU’s Mutheera Julius. “This event is just one of the many ways we are committed to supporting our female learners, and ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive.”
Cillié’s Nkanyiso Ngubane said the response from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the support and information they received.
“I learned so much about taking care of myself during my period,” said one learner. “I feel more confident and prepared now.”
Ngubane stressed that the collaborative effort between various organisations highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing issues related to women’s health and empowerment.
According to research conducted by the I Menstruate Movement in 2022, 83 percent of South African girls enrolled in school do not regularly have access to menstrual hygiene products at home or at school. The survey found that learners were using rags, cardboard, toilet paper and socks.
Only one out of five girl learners knew what was happening to them when they experienced their menstrual periods for the first time. Some believed they were dying.
One in four girl learners miss school monthly due to a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and support during their menstrual periods.
Period poverty is a serious social issue on the continent.
This is why the founder of the I Menstruate Movement, Tracey Malawana, recommended that the next step in the campaign would be to lobby President Cyril Ramaphosa to make some menstruation products available free.
“The cost of living is too high, and menstrual products are too expensive. Parents are forced to choose between buying bread and sanitary pads,” she said.
“By making sanitary pads free for everyone, the stigma relating to menstruation can be addressed with the urgent problems of period poverty, education, and health.
“To build a society that is more accepting and helpful to everyone, this is a crucial first step.
“Cillié High School is proud to contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding menstrual health and women’s empowerment and looks forward to hosting more events in the future. It is also important to have these initiatives throughout the year, and not just in Women’s Month. As a beacon of hope and support, the school remains dedicated to empowering female learners and fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding,” concluded Ngubane.
