A community initiative spearheaded by the PE Hindu Seva Samaj is making waves in the fight against period poverty, with nearly 2,000 sanitary pads distributed to four local schools last week.
According to event organisers, the sanitary drive was aimed at addressing a critical educational barrier that sees approximately 30% of schoolgirls missing up to 50 days of school annually due to menstruation-related challenges.
Roché Ramjee, the event organiser from PE Hindu Seva Samaj, revealed the stark reality facing local students during the distribution ceremony on Monday, 20 October, highlighting how period poverty continues to disrupt education and limit opportunities for young women in Gqeberha.
According to Ramjee, the statistics surrounding menstruation-related school absences are alarming.
“About 30% of schoolgirls are unable to attend school for approximately 50 days annually due to menstruation.
“This disruption equates to a substantial loss of education, estimated at approximately 25% of the school year,” she stated during the distribution ceremony.
Ramjee outlined three primary factors contributing to girls missing school during menstruation:
“Period Poverty remains the main barrier, with many families unable to afford basic menstrual hygiene products such as sanitary pads. This economic challenge is compounded by stigma – the fear and embarrassment associated with menstruation that causes girls to stay home,” she said.
“Additionally, lack of facilities and insufficient access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities at schools further contribute to the problem.”
Long-term educational impact
The consequences of missing school during menstruation extend far beyond temporary absences.
“The absence of days of school leads to significant gaps in education, resulting in academic performance and increasing the risk of dropping out,” Ramjee explained.
“The impact also affects students’ mental health, contributing to reduced self-esteem and psychological issues. Most critically, disrupted education can hinder future opportunities, affecting career prospects and overall life trajectories for these young women.”
The Sanitary Pad Drive project was strategically launched during Navratri, a nine-night Hindu festival celebrating the divine feminine and Goddess Durga. The timing proved symbolic and effective, with community members generously responding to the call for donations.
“We received donations where community members dropped off sealed packs of sanitary pads in the Mandir (temple) foyer, or monetary donations were received when sanitary pads were purchased,” Ramjee noted, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming community support.
Four schools were selected as beneficiaries of the sanitary drive, each receiving approximately 500 packs of sanitary pads: The schools included Frank Joubert Primary, Abraham Levy Primary, Paterson High and Van Der Kemp Primary.
Ramjee expressed appreciation to the school representatives, saying, “Thank you to the learners and educators for taking time out during school time to come and receive the sanitary pads.”
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