Despite being bullied at school and ultimately suffering deep depression, a former St Conrad’s College (now known as Curro Castle Klerkdorp] head girl did not lose hope in life.
Instead, Quincy Molope stood tall, faced all life challenges that came her way and took them head-on without any fear.
Molope is the founder of Noordwyk-based A Million Girls Foundation, a menstrual health NGO whose core vision is to ensure that over the next five years, one million girls do not miss school while on their periods due to a lack of sanitary products.
Her father worked in the mining industry and as a result, they moved around a lot but settled in Klerksdorp. Her parents managed to pay for a private school education but that meant not much was left to spend on other things.
“My parents could not afford to buy the school matric jacket like other Grade 12 learners. This put me in a very awkward position as head girl and it was at this point that the bullying started,” she recalled.
Her saving grace came in the form of her then boyfriend, now husband, the love of her life and father to her two children, Molope Molope. They met as teenagers at a national school sport competition and became friends.
“When we were both 18 years [old], that’s when we started dating. However, the distance between Klerksdorp and Rustenburg, his hometown, meant we spent a lot of time chatting over Mxit.
“I think based on my previous experiences in life when growing up, despite being an introvert, I have learnt to be strong and confident. I will always try to stand up for anyone who is not being treated well, even if it means getting myself in trouble, which often happens,” said Molope with a chuckle.
Founded in August 2021, the foundation not only provides education on menstrual hygiene but also donates menstrual cups to girls to ensure they do not miss school.
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