Described as a first of its kind, a sanitary pad vending machine was installed at the School of Hope in Observatory on Tuesday, April 13.
This unique initiative was started by the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), O Graceland and the MENstruation Foundation. O Graceland houses young girls ageing out of childcare homes.
As reported by EWN, O Graceland founder, Philani Zama, said that they aimed to kill period poverty as too many girls still miss school while they are menstruating because they do not have access to any sanitary products.
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“We must recognise that young girls missing school is detrimental,” Zama said. The NPO has been situated at Oude Molen Eco Village, Pinelands since 2017.
According to IOL, the organisation believes that if men bled once a month, sanitary products would be free. Their main goal is to achieve free sanitary supplies for women and girls in South Africa.
The MENstruation Foundation, the charity organisation that fights against period poverty, is led by Marius Basson, Siv Ngesi and Babalwa Latsha,
More vending machines will also be produced and distributed through partnerships with corporates to schools and community centres as the project progresses.
Picture: Cape Town etc gallery
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