In celebration of Mandela Day, Bestmed Medical Scheme and registered non-profit organisation, Unjani Clinic, donated 100 sanitary pad kits to schoolgirls in Clayville and Thembisa on Tuesday, 18 July 2023.
The aim of the initiative is to help alleviate period poverty, which is a common issue plaguing female South African learners. Each kit was distributed at the local Unjani Clinic and consisted of three reusable pads that can last up to five years, a bucket and cleaning materials to wash the pads, and a drying clip. To date, over 3 500 sanitary pad kits have been distributed to communities in need since 2020.
Education plays a crucial role in the growth of the South African economy. However, in many families, there is a struggle to afford essential items like disposable sanitary pads, which leads to girls in low-income communities missing school during their monthly cycle.
“Bestmed remains committed to addressing the needs of the wider South African community in a personalised and impactful way. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the economic development of low-income areas and uplift the lives of those facing period poverty,” says Karen Cooper, Sponsorship, Corporate Social Investment and PR Specialist at Bestmed.
