- In South Africa, 30% of young girls experience period poverty, often resorting to makeshift solutions due to a lack of sanitary products.
- Cheslyn Steenberg, a Ward 56 councillor, is leading a campaign to collect 5,000 panties to support these girls and ensure they can attend school regularly.
- Donations can be dropped off at the Kensington Civic until September 29, with additional contributions of pads also appreciated.
Altogether 30% of young girls in South Africa are affected by period poverty.
This according to a study by Stellenbosch University. To address this challenge, Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor, is appealing for donations and aims to collect 5 000 panties which will be distributed to primary and high-school girls across the ward.
Steenberg explained that he recently did a sock drive which was donated to schools in Kensington, Factreton, and Maitland and was informed by the schools that there is a great need for sanitary products.
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“I was told that they need panties. Girls have complained that they don’t have pads. The purpose is to help girls. It was sad to hear that girls use socks, masks or cut up a T-shirt when they are on their period. This is the sad reality for many girls.”
He said as a result learners often miss school.
“We want to make sure that girls stay in school, that is why we are trying to lighten the burden for them.”
Steenberg said the sanitary drive will run until Sunday 29 September and they hope to do the handover next month.
Steenberg says donations can be dropped at the Kensington Civic from 09:00 to 14:00 on weekdays.
