Project Dignity was created to combat period poverty and this year the organisation aims to reach even more girls, bridging the education gap even further.
South Africa (02 February 2022) – Throughout 2022 we hope to feature more organisations working to make a difference in South Africa. Today we are looking at Project Dignity, an organisation set up by Sue Barnes to combat period poverty in South Africa.
The aim of Project Dignity is to reduce absenteeism and dropout rates in schools and increase opportunities for girls to complete their education with dignity. There are an estimated 9 million schoolgirls in South Africa who miss up to 3 months of school every year while they menstruate because they don’t have access to or can’t afford sanitary products.
Project Dignity has developed a pack of washable, re-usable panties and sanitary pads that can last up to five years.
The organisation visits schools around South Africa to hand out the SUBZ packs. This is done so that schoolgirls have options and can go to school when they have their period.
By combatting the problem at a school level, the organisation helps bridge the education gap for women in disadvantaged areas. The organisation focuses on supporting girls between the ages of 10 and 19 years old.
Project Dignity hosts 1-hour workshops run in primary and high schools by qualified community educators. Community educators engage pupils in open dialogue on the topics of reproductive health, menstruation, feminine hygiene and sanitary wear with the objective of de-stigmatizing, raising awareness and empowering young girls to remain in school.
You can find out more about Project Dignity and the SUBZ panties via their Facebook and Website.
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