GIRL PRIDE INITIATIVE REACHES MORE THAN 8 000 LEARNERS

Access to menstrual hygiene products remains one of the hidden barriers preventing our country’s young girls from reaching their full educational potential. Recognising this challenge, a Girl Pride Initiative implemented annually, and now in its fifth year, has positively impacted more than 8 000 schoolgirls and distributed over 48 000 packets of sanitary towels across a number of communities in the Sol Plaatje municipal area.

This year alone, the programme, which is funded by Matla A Bokone and endorsed by the Department of Basic Education, successfully distributed 12 000 packets of sanitary pads to girls attending 19 beneficiary schools in Barkly West, Delportshoop, Windsorton, Rietvale and the surrounds. The programme primarily targeted girls in Grades 6 to 9, ensuring that learners who have begun their menstrual journey have access to the products they need to participate confidently in their education.

“By prioritising the wellbeing of young women, this project is not only supporting their personal growth but also strengthening our communities, enhancing educational outcomes and creating a space where girls can confidently pursue their dreams without unnecessary barriers,” said Joyce Jacobs, teacher at Ulco Primary School.

Beyond the practical distribution of sanitary products, the initiative created space for meaningful conversations about menstrual health and wellbeing, helping to reduce stigma while encouraging girls to embrace their education with confidence. The programme’s approach reflects a broader understanding that addressing period poverty is not simply a health intervention; it is an investment in educational inclusion and gender equality.

“Through the Girl Pride Initiative, we are doing more than providing menstrual hygiene products – we are restoring dignity, protecting educational opportunities, and investing in the limitless potential of young girls. Every girl deserves to attend school with confidence, and every community deserves a future where no learner is left behind because of period poverty,” said Lesego Mosiane, Social Performance Practitioner, Matla A Bokone Solar.

Implemented over two weeks, this year’s distribution also created temporary employment for three local young people who assisted with logistics and distribution, extending the programme’s socio-economic footprint into the community it serves, and continuing the initiative’s longstanding commitment to supporting local woman-owned SMMEs.

The 19 participating schools included Vaalrivier High School, Barkly West Primary School, Barkly West High School, Dikgatlong High School, Francis Mohapanele Primary School, Kopmansfontein Primary School, Ulco Primary School, Delportshoop Combined School, Delportshoop Intermediate School, Reakantswe High School, Waterworks Primary School, G.N. Pressly Intermediate School, Pniel-Landgoed Primary School, Stillwater Intermediate School, D.L. Jansen Primary School, Mosalakae Public Primary School, Kgabang Primary School, Rietrivier Primary School, and Boresetse High School.