Reusable sanitary pads used to celebrate Women’s Day in Davidsonville
These Actionairs decided to tackle few of delicate matters in our societies, one being period poverty and women’s dignity.
On August 9, ActionSA PR Councillors from the Jozi West Constituency, Cllr Esmie Liebenberg, Cllr Elmari Atterbury-Nel and Cllr Carin van der Schyf celebrated Women’s Day in Davidsonville.
ALSO READ: Women are better drivers than men – Netstar data
These Actionairs decided to tackle few of delicate matters in our societies, one being period poverty and women’s dignity.
The trio collaborated with community leaders and Project Intombi to empower women with life skills and donation of re-usable sanitary pads.
Cllr van der Schyf said, “Period poverty in South Africa is an everyday challenge that our women have to face. According to research nearly half of our female population can’t buy both food and sanitary products.
“A vast majority of school going young ladies are also constantly deprived of the opportunity to attend to their education owing to the fact that they can’t afford basic needs.”
20 women from the community were gifted with reusable sanitary pads, which will last them between 3 – 5 years.
Cllr Schyf elaborated more on the idea of re-usable sanitary pads, “Approximately 220 000 tons of menstrual waste end up in our landfills, with a single pad containing up to the equivalent of 5 plastic carrier bags, which takes up to 500 years to decompose.
“However, Re-usable sanitary pads can last the user between 3 and 5 years, with a once off cost of R150.00.”
ALSO READ: Celebrating the elderly women of Diepkloof
Schyf added, “Disposable sanitary pads for the same period would amount to an average of R 2 160.00, therefore it is not only more cost effective, but also kind to our environment.
“Period poverty is an issue that should not only be addressed during Women’s Month, but should be made an all-year-round priority.”
The trio is said to have at least two more of these initiatives in conjunction with Project Intombi.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
