The Western Cape’s Department of Social Development (DSD) remains steadfast in its mission to improve the well-being of women and girls throughout the province with its Sanitary Dignity Project.
Collaborating with the Western Cape Education Department, the DSD has successfully distributed over 3.432 million sanitary pad packs to student learners since the project’s launch.
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The project has seen a significant rise in beneficiaries since 2020/21, increasing from 94 817 students in 220 schools to 130 396 students in 365 schools in the present fiscal year.
This distribution has spanned farm schools, special education institutions and DSD-sponsored child and youth care facilities.
Marking its 12th anniversary, the International Day of the Girl Child is commemorated annually on 11 October. This year’s theme is ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-Being.’
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The United Nations states that this day emphasises acknowledging the rights of girls and the distinct adversities they encounter globally.
‘Period poverty can have a negative impact on girls if they’re missing school days due to not having access to sanitary products. However, this project enables indigent girl learners to better manage their menstruation,’ commented Sharna Fernandez, the Western Cape’s minister of social development.
She said that while girls and women might confront multiple societal issues, dealing with a natural physiological process shouldn’t be among those struggles.
She added, ‘While we have reached a great number of beneficiaries as a government, we cannot do this alone. Therefore, I thank the many NGOs, companies and individuals who continue to conduct sanitary drives to assist girls. We all must do our part in our homes and communities to dismantle the inequalities and challenges faced by girls and to ensure that their voices and experiences are valued.’
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Picture: Natracare