The Umtshayelo Foundation is planning a road trip to Komani (formally Queenstown) to hand out 10,000 reusable pads along the way.
Komani, South Africa (01 February 2024) – Komani, under The Umtshayelo Foundation, embarks on an ambitious road trip with a powerful mission: to bridge the gap in period poverty and empower girls across South Africa.
Komani, meaning “female royalty,” is an award-winning social enterprise committed to transforming the lives of menstruators through affordable, reusable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education. They believe every woman and girl has the right to menstruate with dignity and make a positive impact on the environment.
Komani, through its production and distribution efforts, economically empowers a variety of previously unemployed women. All service providers receive training and skills development, to equip them to become part of our innovative social enterprise and work towards their own economic sustainability.
The K2K campaign – Komani to Komani (Queenstown) – will deliver 10,000 reusable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education to students along the N2 and N1 highways, culminating in Queenstown.
“This is not just another campaign – it’s a clarion call. For two years, we’ve heard pleas from schools, and seen the heartbreaking impact of period poverty. In September 2024, the K2K movement roars to life with 10,000 reusable sanitary pads and menstrual hygiene education to students along the N2 and N1 highways. Join us and together, let’s rewrite the story of period poverty in South Africa”, expresses Stephanie Lamour Komani Director.
Period Poverty: A Silent Struggle
As of May 2023, more than 7 million South African menstruators lack access to period products, a reality known as period poverty. This silent struggle impacts girls’ education, health, and overall well-being, forcing them to resort to unhygienic alternatives or miss school altogether. Komani is committed to changing this narrative.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Puberty Education & Menstrual Hygiene Management report, there is a feminine dignity crisis in South Africa. UNESCO estimates that one in ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during her menstrual cycle, due to not having sanitary protection. Up to twenty percent of school attendance in a calendar year is missed as a result.
Komani’s reusable sanitary pads are more than just a product; they symbolise dignity, environmental responsibility, and progress. These washable and long-lasting pads offer a sustainable and affordable solution to period poverty, while simultaneously reducing landfill waste.
Did you know that conventional disposables take between 500-800 years to decompose? In contrast, one pack of Komani Reusable Pads is guaranteed to last for a minimum of 3 years, preventing an average of 400 conventional pads from ending up in landfills. By making the switch to reusable pads, you’re not only supporting women and girls but also contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
The foundation is encouraging people to help them reach more young ladies. They invite businesses to partner through their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.
“Join in reaching schools on the Komani waitlist. Your contribution ensures more girls have access to quality menstrual products.”
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