The Girl Pride Initiative has positively impacted over 3 000 girls across 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 schoolgirls it reaches, including an integrated school health programme and life orientation curriculum, which inform girls on matters related to menstrual hygiene.
“Ensuring access to sanitary towels and promoting 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,” stated Lesego Mosiane, community liaison officer at Matla A Bokone Solar, which funds this programme.
Having benefited over 1 000 girls last year, this initiative will run throughout the 2024 academic year, providing pink dignity packs to girls in Gr. 7 to Gr. 12, containing enough sanitary products to last for up to six months.
The initiative has also 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.