Make sanitary pads free

BEING a South African Indian woman living in Durban, I have read many articles with regard to free sanitary pads given to learners in schools.

There are thousands of women in need of these basic items that we consider a necessity. According to research, the lack of access to sanitary towels often results in young women from poorer backgrounds being absent from school or experiencing the loss of human dignity due to having no choice but to use old newspapers or cloth.

Young women have been reported as being absent from school for at least four days per month; this number can total up to about 24 weeks out of 144 weeks in a four-year period of high school.

In some instances, they suffer from stress and depression as a result of the fear of staining their clothes.

Being the chairperson of an underprivileged organisation, I have worked with many girls. I have counselled and heard their problems and their concerns. They come from poor homes and cannot afford sanitary pads every month.

There are various campaigns to assist, but my question is: Who is actually getting these sanitary pads?

I work with girls between the ages of 13 and 19 and they come from Phoenix, Chatsworth, Verulam, Ottawa, Riet River and Newlands – and they don’t seem to be getting free sanitary pads.

The government is giving out free condoms, so why can’t sanitary pads be given free?

Sex is a choice but menstruation is not. Condoms should be sold and sanitary pads should be given out for free.

RASHREE Durban