End Period Poverty

Picture yourself as a young woman brimming with ambition, ready to seize the opportunities that university offers. But there's a cruel barrier blocking your path – the lack of access to something as fundamental as sanitary products. This is the stark reality for countless young women in South Africa, and it's high time we put an end to it. The gravity of this issue cannot be emphasized enough. Every single month, 22 million South African women face their periods, and shockingly, a staggering 35% of them are forced into an impossible dilemma: buy food or buy sanitary products. No one should ever have to choose between their basic needs and a natural bodily function like menstruation. Tragically, 4 million women are deprived of education and training for an average of 5 days each month simply because they cannot afford sanitary products. This deprivation not only strips them of their right to education but also stifles their potential, perpetuating a vicious cycle of inequality. Enter the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign – and we're calling on you to stand with us and make a real difference. By rallying behind this crucial cause, you have the power to empower Stellenbosch University to provide affordable and/or free locally made eco-friendly pads to female students in need. These young women face the heartbreaking choice of sacrificing sanitary products for tuition fees or even forgoing meals. Together, we have the power to rewrite the narrative for these young women. Imagine the transformative impact of ensuring that no female student at Stellenbosch University misses out on classes due to a lack of menstrual products. Education is a potent force for change, and by tackling period poverty head-on, we can unlock a brighter future for countless women. Stellenbosch University has already taken the first steps by installing three free sanitary pad vending machines across our campuses. But we cannot do it alone. We need your generous support to keep these machines stocked and to expand their presence throughout our campus, which is home to 30,000 students, 60% of whom are female. Your contribution will directly aid our vulnerable students, equipping them with the resources they need to attend classes regularly, uphold their dignity, and unleash their full potential. By donating to the #EndPeriodPoverty campaign, you're not just backing the academic journeys of these young women – you're empowering them to break free from the constraints of period poverty. Join us in making a tangible and lasting impact. Together, let's forge a future where every female student at Stellenbosch University in South Africa can pursue their education without the shadow of period poverty looming over them. Donate today and become the catalyst for change that these young women desperately need.