In a society where menstrual health remains a taboo topic, hygiene products are a luxury for many. Now a Cape Town-based nonprofit is rewriting the narrative. Remarkably, they are doing this one pad at a time.
Koinonia Baloyi founded Girls With Wiings (GWW) in 2016. The organisation aims to restore dignity and hope to homeless and underprivileged women. It achieves this through menstrual health support.
The idea sparked after Baloyi read an article about homeless women’s struggles during their periods.
“Many women are forced to use rags, napkins or cloths methods that are unhygienic and increase the risk of infection,” she says. “Girls With Wiings was born to respond to this urgent need. Every girl deserves access to menstrual health resources.”
Over 35,000 pads delivered
Since its launch, GWW has expanded from helping 100 women a month to over 500 monthly. To date, they have delivered more than 35,000 sanitary pads to vulnerable communities across Cape Town. These come along with toiletries and comfort.
Furthermore, GWW goes beyond hygiene.
Empowerment through employment
In November 2021, GWW introduced its own sanitary pad brand. This game-changer ties into an entrepreneurship programme. The initiative currently employs seven formerly homeless or disadvantaged women. It offers them income, structure and a renewed sense of purpose.
“The pads are locally manufactured, individually wrapped, and feature leak-protection and a cotton-soft cover for comfort,” explains Baloyi. “Each purchase directly supports these women.”
Challenges and community impact
While GWW continues to grow, the team says lack of volunteers remains their biggest challenge.
“We rely on volunteers for our monthly distributions. More hands mean we can reach more women,” they say.
Through partnerships with local NGOs, GWW ensures women receive more than pads. They also access showers, meals and clothing. Consequently, this restores both hygiene and humanity.
Real lives, real change
Confidentiality protects many of the women’s stories. However, GWW recently shared a powerful video testimony on Instagram. It shows one woman’s transformation.
“We’re not just handing out help we’re handing back purpose,” says the team.
Plans for the future
Looking ahead, GWW plans to expand its reach across Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs. Furthermore, they want to grow the pad production programme to employ even more women.
“We dream of a society where access to health, sanitation, and menstrual products are recognised as basic rights,” says Baloyi.
How you can help
GWW invites individuals and businesses to support their work. Donations of sanitary pads or toiletries are welcome. Alternatively, you can purchase a box of pads to support women’s employment.
Visit www.girlswithwiings.org.za to learn more or get involved.
