The lack of access to sanitary pads or other menstrual hygiene products is a major issue in South Africa, and Africa as a whole. Each month, millions of schoolgirls miss part of their education due to the lack of sanitary products and associated embarrassment.
As such, the City of Cape Town’s CDW programme has budgeted for the donation of 3 000 sanitary packs to various schools in the Khayelitsha and Somerset West areas this year. This adds to the 6 000 sanitary packs donated to schools in need in the City’s Region One, stretching from Mamre to Sea Point, in 2021. The total budget for the project is R110 000.
Education and awareness around the health impacts of improper menstrual hygiene was also done by City Health officials.
‘A key part of this project is also to help raise awareness about the stigma faced by women and how this can hurt our sisters in the community. I am also hopeful that in offering this assistance, we can set an example to help instead of to shame,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management Alderman Twigg.
If schools would like to be considered for future donations, they can contact the Subcouncil offices within their Ward to request assistance and engage with a local CDW officer to possibly be included in future programmes.
