Engen has launched its 2026 Menstrual Care Campaign, providing reusable sanitary products to learners and tackling period poverty as a barrier to education and dignity.
The campaign began in South Durban at Assegai Primary School and P.R. Pather Secondary School, where female learners received reusable sanitary pad packs designed to last for several years. The initiative builds on Engen’s sustained investment in supporting girls to remain in school and participate fully in their education.
Each participating school will receive 100 reusable sanitary pad packs in partnership with Proudly South African manufacturer Palesa Pads. The packs include a full range of reusable pads tailored to different needs, practical cleaning kits to ensure hygienic use, and educational materials focused on menstrual health.
The initiative responds to a persistent national challenge. Across South Africa, many girls continue to miss school due to lack of access to sanitary products, contributing to absenteeism and, in some cases, early dropout. By shifting to reusable menstrual products, the campaign offers a longer-term solution that reduces monthly financial pressure on families while also limiting environmental waste.
Olwethu Mdabula, Engen’s CSI Manager, said the programme addresses both dignity and opportunity. “Access to menstrual care is not a luxury – it’s essential,” she said. “We cannot expect girls to thrive academically if they are forced to miss school every month due to period poverty. This campaign is about dignity, confidence and giving young women the freedom to focus on their education.”
The reusable products, manufactured by Palesa Pads, are designed to last up to five years — potentially covering a learner’s entire high school journey.
Sherie ‘Palesa’ de Wet, founder of Palesa Pads, emphasised the broader impact of the intervention. “Our pads are hygienic, safe and designed to restore dignity,” she said. “When girls don’t have to worry about how they’ll manage their next period, they show up differently – with confidence, focus and pride.”
School leaders in Durban welcomed the support, highlighting its role in improving attendance and wellbeing. Principal Neil Blankenberg of Assegai Primary School described the initiative as removing a practical barrier to learning, while Principal Linda Xaba of P.R. Pather Secondary School said the support empowers girls to remain engaged and focused on their futures.
The 2026 rollout will extend to schools across multiple provinces, reaching 800 learners nationally in the coming weeks.
Through the campaign, Engen aligns its social investment strategy with broader development priorities, including quality education, gender equality and sustainable consumption.
“Empowering girls is not just the right thing to do – it’s essential for building stronger communities and a more equal society,” Mdabula added. “When we invest in girls, we invest in the future.”
