On May 28, 2024, coinciding with International Menstrual Hygiene Day, the I_Menstruate Movement initiated a vital crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to address the pressing issue of period poverty affecting school girls across South Africa.
Recent studies conducted by the organization revealed that a staggering 83% of girls in 18 surveyed schools lack regular access to necessary menstrual products, significantly impacting their education and well-being.
This campaign is part of the movement’s broader goal to ensure that no educational opportunities are lost due to menstruation by providing essential supplies such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups to girls in I_Menstruate’s partner schools. The initiative aims to start distributing these products by the end of July 2024, just in time for the new school term.
Tracey Malawana, founder of the I_Menstruate Movement and based in Tembisa, Johannesburg, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Menstruation should never be an obstacle to education. Our aim with this crowdfunding campaign is not just to provide menstrual products but to foster an environment where young girls can pursue their education without barriers.”
Pictured above: Silent protest during I_Menstruate Movement research report pre-launch in Winterveldt, Gauteng.
The crowdfunding campaign, which kicked off on the last International Menstrual Hygiene Day, will continue through Youth Month and end on July 31, 2024. It invites public contributions and aims to rally community support to provide a sustainable solution to period poverty.
In response to the overwhelming community support, the campaign has successfully raised R100,000 towards their R300,000 target. Reflecting on this, Malawana said, “The compassion and solidarity we’ve seen so far are heartening. It’s clear that together, we can tackle this issue head-on and move towards our vision of menstrual equity, one school at a time.”
Pictured above: I_Menstruate Movement focus group as part of the grassroots research
The I_Menstruate Movement remains dedicated to its mission of eradicating period poverty through movement building, awareness-raising, education, advocacy, and direct service provision. Their ongoing efforts underscore the critical role of community and individual support in addressing menstrual health challenges.
Those interested in supporting or learning more about this important campaign can make contributions through the BackaBuddy platform. Each donation helps to bring the movement closer to its goal of ensuring that no girl in South Africa is hindered by her menstrual cycle.
Support this campaign on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
