A women-led social enterprise has collaborated with adidas and community development platform Safe-Hub to establish a sanitary pad production facility in Gugulethu-Manenberg to combat period poverty and support female entrepreneurship.
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In South Africa, about 83% of young girls and women do not have access to menstrual hygiene products, highlighting the widespread issue of period poverty.
‘We are thrilled to launch the Blossom Gugulethu facility in partnership with adidas and Safe-Hub and continue our mission of combating period poverty,’ says Shamiela Sarlie, managing director at Blossom Care Solutions. This enterprise creates jobs for young women aged between 18 and 34.
‘Through our partnership with adidas and Safe-Hub, we hope to make a significant impact on the lives of young girls and women in Gugulethu, while also empowering them through sustainable job opportunities.’
The facility was launched on 25 October at the Youth Cafe in Gugulethu as part of an event to raise awareness about the importance of community upliftment and job creation in alleviating period poverty.
The project came to life when Safe-Hub approached Blossom with a proposal to set up a production facility in Gugulethu. Safe-Hub’s main objective is to improve the lives of young people by giving them access to opportunities and services in structurally disadvantaged areas.
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‘Blossom Care Solutions shares our commitment to female empowerment, job creation, and addressing the issue of period poverty,’ says Sipho Mgobozi, National Safe-Hub Operations Manager. ‘This facility is now becoming an integral part of the Safe-Hub ecosystem with its holistic approach to youth and community development.’
Furthermore, adidas pledged financial support for the development of the facility. ‘Right from the beginning, we were inspired by Blossom Care’s women-centred approach to addressing period poverty in the heart of communities that need it most,’ says Kate Woods, senior brand director at adidas South Africa.
‘We’ve seen how a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products affects school attendance but also, how it has an impact on participation in sport, which ultimately affects both the physical and mental well-being of young girls. This facility will keep girls in school and allow them to continue playing their favourite sports. It will change so many lives.’
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Also read:
Scotland makes period products free and SA should take a hint
Picture: Supplied
