Dainties for Dames reaches admirable milestone

DAINTIES for Dames project, funded by the Sibaya Community Trust, is on track to distribute its 10 000th pack of reusable sanitary products this year. This is a worthy milestone in its mandate to empower young women in rural communities with this life-changing eco-friendly product.

In 2012, the Sibaya Community Trust first met with Sue Barnes, founder of Subz Pants and Pads, the reusable sanitary pad which attaches to a specially-designed cotton panty. Barnes had established the Dainties for Dames initiative, which falls under her non-profit extension, Project Dignity, to distribute free Subz packs to girls at disadvantaged schools and communities across the country.

Related story: Women’s Month: Lack of sanitary pads keeps girls out of school

“We were working in the field of education as the Sibaya Community Trust and found that one of the key challenges for young ladies is poverty,” explained Kudzai Mqingwana, CSI Manager for the Sibaya Community Trust. “Impoverished families cannot afford to purchase sanitary pads which impacts on education. We found Sue who had a long-term solution that brought back dignity with the packs.”

The Trust partnered with Dainties for Dames, funding the donations of packs in an effort to restore dignity while promoting education. “This programme gives young women an option for menstruation management. Through the support given, a basic and continuous biological event is made less stressful, while also educating the girls about their bodies and bringing economic relief. We wanted to make sure they had one less hassle to concern themselves with.

To get involved, visit www.subzpads.co.za or www.sibayatrust.com