Women support Thuthuzela Care Centre
Since this was a day that highlighted menstrual hygiene, the group of women wanted to give menstrual products to those young girls and women who had been affected by sexual crimes.
EVANDER – A group of young girls and women who form part of the Isandla Sezulu (Heavenly Hand) organisation, which supports feminism, gender equality and support victims of gender-based violence, handed out sanitary towels to the Thutuzela Care Centre at the Evander Hospital on Thursday, 28 May.
The Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCC) are one-stop facilities that had been introduced as a critical part of South Africa’s anti-rape strategy aiming to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case ready for successful prosecution. Thuthuzela’s integrated approach to rape care is one of respect, comfort, restoring dignity and ensuring justice for children, women and men who are victims of sexual violence.
Since this was a day that highlighted menstrual hygiene, the group of women from Isandla Sezulu wanted to give feminine hygiene products to those young girls and women who had been affected by sexual crimes.
They also highlighted that stigmas of menstruation are perpetrated by culture, discrimination, a lack of education, silence and period poverty (unable to access or afford).
They say young girls and women should not be embarrassed about having periods and should be able to openly speak about it.
“Most young girls don’t have such products to use and then they resort to other means in order to get money to buy sanitary towels. In some cases, a woman has to choose between putting food on the table over her personal care items,” said Ms Khethiwe Simelane.
The group of women said menstrual products are expensive and not all women can afford it. They said the government and organisations need to stop ignoring the needs of young girls and women and to make these products freely available.
“Some of us don’t have a choice as to which products we would like to use. Most of the time we have to opt for what is affordable, because menstrual products are expensive.”
“Government gives out free condoms and contraceptives, but not sanitary towels which is a necessity for women and not a choice. Sanitary towels should be free. Every young girl and woman should have a voice and a choice on what to use.”
Ms Simelane thanked Refineries Industry for their support and supplies of sanitary towels. If you want to know more about Isandla Sezulu contact Khethiwe Simelane at 083 258 7871.
