Mama Flo is a shining beacon of hope in Cape Town, fighting against period poverty by providing sanitary pads and education. Founded by three friends, Isabella, Melissa, and Laurie, this charity began during the tough times of COVID19 when they realized how many women needed help. They don’t just give out pads; they also hold workshops to teach women about menstrual health and empower local leaders to spread awareness. Mama Flo’s mission is all about making a lasting change, ensuring every woman can manage her period with dignity and confidence. Their work is a beautiful example of how kindness and community can create real impact.
Period poverty is a major issue affecting over 80% of South African schoolgirls, who lack access to sanitary products and proper menstrual hygiene education. The IMenstruate Movement is campaigning for free menstrual hygiene products to combat this problem. The recent Exesheni Exhibition in Franschhoek shed light on the severity of the situation, with photographs of makeshift solutions like rags, cardboard, and toilet paper. The IMenstruate Movement plans to lobby President Cyril Ramaphosa for change and spread awareness in rural communities.
A group called AgainstPeriodPoverty teamed up with the City of Cape Town Cycle Team to bring attention to the issue of period poverty in underprivileged areas. The event, which involved a challenging 13kilometer bike ride, was held at Strandfontein Sports Complex and required each participant to bring five packets of sanitary pads as an entry fee. The initiative aimed to show that menstrual hygiene products are a necessity, not a luxury, and that everyone should have access to them.
Blossom Gugulethu is a sanitary pad production factory in South Africa that aims to combat period poverty by providing menstrual hygiene products to young girls and women who do not have access to them. The initiative is a collaboration between Blossom Care Solutions, Adidas, and SafeHub, and it creates sustainable employment opportunities for young women aged 1834. The facility’s inauguration occurred on October 25th, and it represents a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change in the fight for female empowerment, job creation, and community development.
Renowned gym, Ignite Fitness, is collaborating with the MENstruation Foundation on Mandela Day to combat period poverty. With a presence in 10 locations across South Africa, Ignite Fitness is hosting an Open Month during July to raise awareness and garner support for this worthy cause.