The Red Dot Project helps in reclaiming the dignity that poverty denies young girls at ‘that time’ of the month.
This non profit organization began in March 2017 when Mrs. Rene Jordt finally got her calling at a ‘I am beautiful’ conference.
Red Dot Project – reclaiming the dignity of young girls in poverty with sanitary products.
“The idea of this project was always stuck in my head but I did not know where to start but after a women’s conference it all became clear to me,” Jordt said.
The following week she told two of her colleagues, Mrs Dudu Gwili and Magriet Wilkens about this idea and that was where everything started.
In the past two months they already have five donation bins around eMalahleni and are aiming for much more to come.
Founders of the Red Dot Project, Dudu Gwili,Magriet Wilkens and Rene Jordt.
“We only rely on donations of sanitary products from the community and no money related donations as we are here for the right reason, to make a change,” Jordt said with happiness in her voice.
The main aim for the Red Dot project is to give back to the young girls in poor communities and make a lasting and positive impact.
“It’s hard to imagine that there are over two million young girls, between the ages of 12 and 18 years that are living below the poverty line in South Africa, who have to resort to using old clothes, rags, newspapers, leaves, bark and grass because they cannot afford sanitary towels. Girls who cannot afford pads or tampons miss approximately five days of school a month, which amounts to 60 missed school days a year,” co-founder, Gwili sadly explained.
The Red Dot Project that started in March already has five donation bins around eMalahleni.
This problem not only affects school girls, but women at all stages of life. In poor communities, varsity students, mothers, working women and elderly ladies are also unable to afford sanitary hygiene products, which makes this cause all the more important.
“Our first donation day we got to visit Elukhanyisweni Secondary School in Lynnville. What a great experience with the girls; it totally touched my heart. There are so many girls in need and we really need the help of the community by donating sanitary towels,” Jordt added.
Red Dot bins can be found at the following locations in eMalahleni; Rawson Properties, In Focus Optometrist, Salon Generika in Klipfontein, Curro Bankenveld and at Vukuzenzele opposite Midas.
For any enquiries or information regarding this project feel welcome to contact, Rene on 0727892955, Dudu on 082415815 or Magriet on 0824603860. Or visit their Facebook page @ Red Dot Project.
“Every girl deserves access to safe and hygienic sanitary products,” Jordt concluded.
