In recognition of Women’s Month, STBB is proud to launch a nationwide sanitary pad collection drive as part of our ongoing commitment to our community service initiatives. Under the banner of STBB4Good, the campaign aims to support and empower girls in need and promote menstrual dignity by helping to address period poverty, a socio-cultural and economic challenge that continues to affect hundreds of thousands of schoolgirls across South Africa.
What is ‘period poverty’?
Conceptually-speaking, period poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, adequate water and sanitation facilities, and health education – a phenomenon often exacerbated by the stigma of menstruation. Globally, it is estimated that 500 million women, girls, and non-binary persons experience period poverty every month. For many girls, period poverty goes beyond inconvenience: It is a consistent barrier to education and future opportunities. Without access to sanitary pads, learners are forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles, which causes them to fall behind academically and, in some cases, increases their risk of dropping out altogether. Indeed, more than one third of girls in South Africa miss a week of school every month because of the constraints created by period poverty. Worse still, approximately 3 000 schools lack basic sanitation and hygiene facilities, such as running water and functioning toilets.
In reality, many young girls resort to unhygienic alternatives such as newspapers, old rags, tissues, leaves, or other unsuitable materials when they cannot afford sanitary products. Undeniably, these methods compromise their health, safety, and comfort by increasing the risk of urinary tract infections, toxic shock syndrome, and other reproductive issues. In addition, reliance on these alternatives impacts their ability to participate fully in school life, stifles their confidence, and is often a source of shame and embarrassment.
Against this backdrop, access to sanitary pads is directly linked to educational outcomes. When girls have the menstrual products they need, they are more likely to attend school regularly, participate confidently in class, and remain engaged in their education. To that end, ensuring that girls can manage their periods safely and with dignity is a simple yet powerful way to support their future.
The campaign
With the goal of supporting 600 schoolgirls for three months, we’ve set a target of collecting 1 800 packs of sanitary pads. Throughout August, collection bins will accordingly be stationed in the reception areas of all 13 of our offices nationwide, enabling employees, clients, and members of the public to contribute to this meaningful cause. Every donation will help ensure that more girls can continue their education without the monthly challenge of lacking essential menstrual products.
Beyond meeting an immediate need, this initiative seeks to encourage collective action by raising awareness of period poverty and inspiring communities to play an active role in creating lasting social impact.
Our beneficiaries
As part of STBB’s continued support of uPhawu Community Development, all sanitary pads collected during the campaign will be distributed to the following selected schools and educational institutions across the Western Cape and Eastern Cape:
- Mandalay Primary School
- Zola Business School
- uPhawu Community Development
- Mathew Gonowe High School
- Athenkosi Primary School
- Zwelivumile High School
- Mbobo Primary School
At its core, this initiative mirrors our belief that meaningful community service extends beyond the legal profession. As we commemorate Women’s Month, STBB invites everyone to join us in making a tangible difference by helping young girls in need. While a packet of sanitary pads may seem like a small donation, for a girl facing period poverty, it represents dignity, restored confidence, and the opportunity to remain in the classroom. By working together to combat period poverty, we can help remove a socio-economic barrier that forces girls to choose between managing their periods and receiving an education – a choice that ultimately prevents them from reaching their full potential.
For further information about the campaign, contact our team today.
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