Initiative combats period poverty

AT THE forefront of the fight against period poverty, Matla A Bokone’s “Girl Pride” initiative has positively impacted over 3 000 young girls attending schools in the Sol Plaatje municipal area since its inception in 2022.

Beyond addressing health aspects, this outreach is committed to empowering and building the confidence of the schoolgirls it reaches,

The initiative includes an Integrated School Health Programme and Life Orientation curriculum, which educates beneficiaries on matters related to menstrual hygiene, contributing to their holistic development.

The initiative has furthermore driven socio-economic growth by partnering with a local young woman-owned business, creating job opportunities for three young people in the community, thereby enhancing youth employment and economic empowerment.

The community liaison officer of Matla A Bokone, Lesego Mosiane,

explained that ensuring access to sanitary towels and promoting proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for the well-being of young girls.

“Unhygienic menstrual practices increase vulnerability to reproductive tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases and related complications,” Mosiane pointed out.

She said that Matla A Bokone is committed to running the initiative throughout the entire 2024 academic year, providing young girls in grades 7 to 12 with pink dignity bags containing sanitary products designed to last them for up to six months.

In 2023, the initiative benefited over 1 000 girls.

Forence Dirawu, an educator at Boresetse High School in Barkley West, expressed gratitude towards the initiative for reaching out to her school.

“We appreciate this support from Matla A Bokone Solar so much. I am even more honoured to have been accountable for seeing to it that these lovely pink bags reach the learners they were intended for,” said Dirawu.