Isithunzi Sabo Bonke (ISB) aims to instil dignity, decency and pride
In the current climate, there are many obstacles in the way that children may miss school, but menstruation should not be one of these reasons.
Isithunzi Sabo Bonke (ISB), which translates to dignity for all, is an NPO run by residents of Alberton and Johannesburg South.
ISB was established in December 2019 to distribute feminine hygiene care packs to quintile one, two, and three secondary schools in Gauteng in order to instil dignity, decency and pride in communities.
They recently came up with a campaign called #Thinkofher; the official launch of phase one will take place on December 1.
#ThinkOfHer Campaign
“Instead of asking for monetary donations, we would like to partner with people and organisations and place our branded bins in stores with the slogan: ‘When I think of myself, I think of Her’, and drive people to purchase a product for both themselves and for a girl as they #thinkofher,” said one of the executive board members, Samantha Eve.
According to Samantha, more details about the campaign will be released in the next couple of weeks.
More about ISB
“We are a group of men and women focused on uplifting the young women of South Africa. Menstruation-related problems are a gender-based barrier to girls’ education in South Africa,” said founder Freddie Louwrens.
“Freddie was originally born and bred in the South of Johannesburg. This is his initiative. He has dedicated his life to this cause for the past year and plans to rally up every angle possible to support these young women on a monthly basis,” said Samantha.
In the current climate, there are many obstacles in the way that children may miss school, but menstruation should not be one of these reasons.
“In many African communities, there are stigmas and taboos around menstruation that lead to so many young girls not receiving information about puberty and often being completely unprepared when they have their first period.
“In addition, girls who grow up in poverty often cannot afford period protection materials, which means they subsequently don’t fully participate in school, sports or social life when they have their periods. All these obstacles, if left unattended, can lead to increased school absenteeism, and for some girls, even dropping out of school altogether,” said Freddie.
How to get involved
To discuss how you can get involved in their initiative, contact them on 082 332 3277 or send an email to info@dignityforall.co.za
Also, stay in touch with them via their social media platforms.
