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With August marking National Women’s Month – a time our nation celebrates female equality and pays tribute to the women who are breaking barriers and making history – there is still a spotlight to be shone on many pertinent issues facing women in South Africa today. One such issue is that of period poverty, a fundamental struggle that disempowers too many women in our society, daily. In its continuous mission to bring an end to this ongoing problem, the MENstruation Foundation has partnered with local female-owned beverage brand, BT Signature, to help increase the awareness and strengthen the agenda around this urgent topic.
“It’s through partnerships with, and support from, like-minded businesses such as BT Signature that we can keep this initiative of ours alive and create a dignified sustainable impact”, says Siv Ngesi, Multi Award Winning Entertainer, and Co-Founder and Director of MENstruation Foundation.
Ngesi continues: “What society doesn’t seem to understand is that this is not a women-only problem – it is a humanity problem. Without women and without menstruation, we won’t be here! It’s 2023 – men need to acknowledge this fact, not shy away from menstruation as a topic, and make it their business to be a part of this conversation and fight to end period poverty!”
Some alarming statistics associated with period poverty in our country include:
● Approximately 22 million South African women have their period every month, with around 35% of them having to choose between a loaf of bread or a sanitary product.
● Over 4 million women miss critical education and training for an average of 5 days per month due to the lack of access to sanitary products.
“The impact on the dignity, education and work productivity of many female South Africans is massive, but certainly something that we can address through implementing the correct measures for access”, says Ngesi. “I believe if men bled once a month , sanitary products would be free. My team and I have made it our mission to end period poverty and we will achieve this goal, sooner than many may think.”
To date, this year alone, the MENstruation Foundation has saved over 900 000 educational days on a national basis, through its Sanitary Pad Dispensing Machine project, where 45 000 packs of pads are distributed every month. MENstruation Foundation’s aim is to establish a self-sustained ecosystem through providing access to affordable and/or free locally made eco-friendly products, and supporting the local manufacturing of quality eco-friendly sanitary products that are distributed via NGO’s, retail, corporate and government channels – principally through the application of a Sanitary Product vending machine.
“BT Signature extends beyond our range of delicious Frizzante beverages – our brand ethos is about uplifting and honouring women, celebrating success, confidence, and breaking barriers”, says Boity Thulo, Celebrity, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of BT Signature. “I can’t think of a better cause for my business to be aligning with and supporting.”
From 1 August 2023 onwards, the proceeds of every case of BT Signature sold in TOPS at SPAR stores nationwide, will support a female with sanitary products for a whole month. “Our brand slogan ‘MAKE YOUR MARK’ was born out of us wanting to have a purpose and make a positive impact in our country. Those who purchase and enjoy a BT Signature this month and beyond can know that they’re making their mark by helping to make a difference”, Boity concludes.
For more information on how to contribute and help end period poverty in South Africa, visit menstruation.foundation to donate, and follow the journey on Instagram and Facebook (@MENstruationFoundationZA).
South Africans can also donate to MENstruation Foundation directly, by scanning the QR code:
For more information on BT Signature and where to buy, visit www.btsignature.com or follow @BTSignature on Facebook and Instagram, and @BT_Signature on Twitter.