Izah Roux has collected over 500 packs of sanitary pads; he has inspired some big corporations too which saw one school receiving a year supply for each female student.
Durban, South Africa (14 November 2022) – Durban Prep High School student Izah Roux, age 13, has made it his mission to make a difference. During his recent schooling, one of the topics discussed was puberty and how it affects both male and female students.
Izah was moved by the fact that many young ladies his own age, would start missing out on school due to their monthly menstrual cycles. He went home and asked his mom all the questions he could think of, and then decided on a plan of action.
Learning that the cost of sanitary pads was a massive contributor to why his female classmates missed school, he decided to start collecting some.
“I don’t like staying at home for anything and knew I needed to do something to help other kids”
“I’m also the kind of person that dreams about changing the world, so I believe in showing people kindness and trying to really understand other people’s problems.”
With the help of his mom and brother, Izah did a Sanitary Drive for St Augustine School for girls.
“We managed to collect 500 packs of pads, but I knew I wanted to do even more,”
Izah is a goalie on his school water polo team and thought if he could set a challenge for himself, he could inspire more people to join his cause.
“With the 37th national South African College High School (SACS) water polo tournament approaching in October, I pledged ten packs of sanitary pads for every goal I saved during the tournament.”
By the end of the tournament, Izah had saved 48 goals!
Before long, people were talking about Izah and his Sanitary Drive. Engen had heard about his story and was inspired to act.
“By advocating for girls in this way, Izah is truly being the change he wants to see in the world,” Khalid Latiff, General Manager: Corporate Strategy & Communications
Inspired to help, Engen partnered with Caring4Girls and donated a one-year’s supply of sanitary pads to all 268 grade 4-7 learners at Rippon Primary school in Durban.
“We cannot thrive as a society if some of our female learners are left behind because they are unable to attend school due to feminine hygiene issues, which is why we are proud to partner with Izah and the Imbumba Foundation and contribute to this meaningful initiative,” adds Latiff.
Imbumba Foundation CEO, Richard Mabaso says the Caring4Girls programme creates a voice for girls in addition to distributing sanitary materials.
“Caring4Girls also provides health education on puberty and adolescence, to demystify menstrual related myths and break down societal taboos, whilst promoting positive body literacy and autonomy, as well as gender equality.”
One young man’s desire to make a difference has meant hundreds of young ladies will get to attend school without any interruptions.
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