600 young women in Thokoza received more than just reusable sanitary pads this Women’s Month, they got dignity, support and a renewed chance to stay in school, thanks to a powerful partnership between DP World and the Upcycle Foundation.
Johannesburg, South Africa (31 March 2025) – For hundreds of young women in Thokoza, missing school because of their period is no longer part of the story, thanks to a heartfelt collaboration between DP World and the Upcycle Foundation that’s turning waste into opportunity and restoring dignity one pad at a time.
But this isn’t just about pads. It’s about dignity, education, income and hope.
Menstrual hygiene remains a massive barrier to education in South Africa. It’s estimated that 30% of girls miss school each month simply because they don’t have access to sanitary products. That’s nearly a week of learning lost every four weeks. But thanks to this initiative, 600 young ladies from Landulwazi Comprehensive School now have four reusable sanitary pads each, neatly packed in waterproof bags. That’s 600 brighter futures made a little more possible.
And here’s where the story gets even better… those pads weren’t just delivered. They were lovingly made by local women who, through DP World’s support, completed an intensive 8-week sewing course run by the Upcycle Foundation. These incredible seamstresses previously used their skills to create beanbags for Early Childhood Development centres and mattress covers for elderly care homes. Now, they’ve taken on the challenge of transforming misprinted corporate materials into something truly life-changing.
“In line with our commitment to support women and education, our partnership with Upcycle Foundation has delivered tangible impact,” shared Esha Mansingh, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at DP World Sub-Saharan Africa.
“This particular initiative has changed the lives of 600 girls for the better, and we hope that by staying in school, they will have a brighter future. At the same time, the project has created meaningful income for talented seamstresses.”
Each package came with more than just physical products, it came with information and education. DP World volunteers worked alongside the Actively Educating Foundation to bring menstrual hygiene education to life through theatre. Two actors took to the stage with an informative play designed to empower the girls with knowledge about their bodies and their health.
For the Upcycle Foundation, this initiative reflects the core of what they do.
“Upcycle Foundation specialises in education and training of communities on the potential of transforming waste into opportunity through recycling and upcycling to generate a sustainable income,” said Sibongile Vilakazi, the organisation’s Founding Director.
“Upcycle Foundation and the seamstresses trained with DP World’s funding were very excited to be involved in this initiative, giving us all an opportunity to support education and keep girls in school.”
And one of those seamstresses, Amanda Khumalo, perfectly summed up the heart of it all: “I never imagined that I would one day be able to sew pads, and my training has made it easy for me to help contribute to this cause in a meaningful way. Now, I plan to continue using my new-found skills to give back to communities by making and donating pads to schoolgirls who struggle to afford them.”
This is what real impact looks like. Jobs created. Waste repurposed. Young women supported. Education protected. Dignity restored.
In a world full of challenges, this is a powerful reminder that when organisations, communities and individuals come together, good things really do happen.
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