Higher learning students supported on World Menstrual Day
For more information contact Glen Govender on info.zonkesupplies@gmail.com
World Menstrual Day was celebrated around the world on April 28 and Zonke Supplies took the mantle by providing Stayfree sanitary products for disadvantaged higher learning students.
This initiative by the Bedfordview management consultancy company was in collaboration with Talitha Kumi Student Residence, where they handed out 20 units each to 60 female students at the Langlaagte facility.
“The Talitha Kumi Student Residence is for students who need aid to further their studies. All of the students attend the University of Johannesburg.
“These learners come from all parts of the country and we would like to supply them with feminine hygiene care,” said Zonke Supplies head of operations Glen Govender.
Govender said the pilot programme will be for three months and will also include an advisory service.
He said they gave a presentation on feminine hygiene and care which focused on women and national challenges experienced countrywide.
An interactive medium was established by Govender and his team to maintain a communication platform in providing advice and support to the students.
“It is estimated that approximately five million women in our basic and higher learning education system are not practicing the prescribed processes when it comes to menstrual hygiene and this being primarily an affordability challenge. To fully address this challenge in the education sector in South Africa, a budget in the region of R2.6-billion is required,” said Govender.
He said government has made strides in this sector with the discontinuation of VAT on sanitary products, complemented further with a national budget of R156-million.
“There is a shortfall that can only be fulfilled by corporate South Africa. Our journey of contributing positively towards female dignity has begun.
“We would love to hear from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as corporate South Africa, as to how we could complement existing female hygiene programmes,” said Govender.
For more information contact Govender on info.zonkesupplies@gmail.com
