Breaking Barriers, Building Dignity and Empowering 100 Girls

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Child education and mental health advocate Norleen Zulu recently created a safe space for 100 young girls, where conversations about menstruation became a source of strength, empowerment, and confidence.

Johannesburg, South Africa (16 March 2026) – In South Africa, an estimated seven million girls are affected by period poverty. According to research referenced by the University of Pretoria, this contributes to nearly 30% of learners missing school each month due to a lack of access to menstrual products and menstrual health education.

The numbers give insight into the sobering reality experienced by many young girls, where something as natural as a menstrual cycle becomes a barrier to education, dignity, and opportunity.

In her ongoing effort to break that barrier, Early Childhood Development Specialist and child mental health advocate Norleen Zulu, through Education With Norleen, recently reached 100 young girls at Norwood Primary School with a menstrual health education session centred on empowerment, knowledge, and dignity.

“Period poverty is often misunderstood as simply the lack of sanitary products. In reality, it also reflects a lack of education, safe spaces for conversation, and the confidence for young girls to understand what is happening in their bodies,” Norleen Zulu shares with us.

During the session, Norleen and her team created a safe and supportive environment where these young ladies could openly learn and engage in meaningful discussions about:

Understanding the menstrual cycle
Tracking their periods using a calendar
Managing menstrual pain and knowing when to seek help
The correct use and safe disposal of sanitary pads
Personal hygiene and menstrual health

“What stood out most was the curiosity and eagerness these young ladies had to learn about their bodies. They asked thoughtful questions about menstruation, reproductive health, and the changes that come with becoming a young woman. However, some girls were still hesitant to ask their questions openly and instead chose to write them down anonymously.”

This small but powerful moment revealed something important. That the stigma and embarrassment surrounding menstruation continue to silence many girls.

“This is exactly why these conversations are so important,” Norleen emphasises.

Every young lady who attended the session received a pack of sanitary pads, generously provided by Santou Dabo, Founder of One Child, One Chance Foundation.

“Her support ensured that these girls left not only with knowledge, but also with the essential resources they need to remain in school with dignity.”

Education with Norleen believes that addressing period poverty requires more than simply providing products. It requires education, open dialogue, and safe spaces where young girls feel empowered to understand their bodies and seek help when they need it.

As the passionate woman behind the mission eloquently puts:

“When we remove the barriers created by period poverty, girls do not just stay in school; they gain the confidence, knowledge, and support needed to thrive in their education and in life.

Ending period poverty is not just a health issue. It is an education issue, a dignity issue, and a human rights issue. Let us continue working together to ensure that no girl misses school because of her period.”