Sanitary pad initiative provides dignity for girls in school
The Grade six and seven learners from three schools in Merebank were each given a pack of sanitary pads.
AIMED at providing dignity and offering support to schoolgirls, Roshni Naicker, a Merebank community role-player, has been distributing sanitary pads for the past two years.
Naicker started the Save The Dignity Of Girls In Schools initiative in February 2021.
She said last month, she was provided with 500 packs of sanitary pads by the non-profit organisation, Women of Wonder (WOW).
Naicker, together with the organisation, recently distributed packs to the Grade 6 and 7 learners at three schools in Merebank.
“No girl should have to miss school because they don’t have a sanitary pad. However, the sad reality is many of our young girls stay away from school for up to five days because their parent or caregiver does not have money to spend on sanitary pads. Some girls have to use a cloth or tissue paper, they should not have to.
“I decided to start the initiative after my tenant’s niece came home one day and said that her school didn’t have any sanitary pads. Since I have always been involved in community work, I thought let me try to help the girls and schools. I posted a request on social media asking for donations, and I had a fantastic response. I have not looked back since then,” she said.
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Naicker said she aims to distribute to as many schools each month, but relied on donations, either funds or sanitary pads.
“I have two donors who send me money to buy the pads every month. I distribute to girls at a few primary schools in Merebank, however, my goal is to reach schools in the surrounding areas.
“If I can get more donations, whether it is money or sanitary pads, I can definitely provide dignity for more girls, and try to ensure they don’t miss school on those days,” she said.
Vanessa Bandiah, an executive member of WoW, said they decided to support Naicker as their March initiative.
“Every month we aim to do some initiative that will help either children, the elderly, or even animals. When I saw Roshni’s appeal for sanitary pads, I discussed it with my team and we thought it was an initiative we would love to support as it was to provide dignity for girls.
“We managed to secure 500 packs of sanitary pads and it was a great feeling to know that it would help these girls. Our goal is to always bring light and joy into the lives of those in need,” she said.
If you would like to contribute to the initiative, contact Naicker on 079 565 1567.
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