GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Many young girls from poor homes in Graaff-Reinet and surrounds are missing school as a result of being unable to afford sanitary towels.
DA Caucus Leader Cllr Samantha Graham said that for a number of years, she has been hearing the stories of how “in a Constitutional democracy where human dignity and equality is espoused and lauded, poor women are still living as marginalised citizens”.
She gives the example that condoms are provided free at places such as clinics, hospitals, offices and airports, but free sanitary towels are not provided anywhere. It is ironic given that people choose to have sex, but women have no choice in regard to menstruation.
Cllr Graham continued: “I recently watched a documentary on homeless women and in this, they all spoke of the difficulties of being a poor woman dealing with menstruation every month. I found this deeply upsetting as it is not something that I ever have to give too much thought to as I am able to afford the items needed to deal with menstruation.
With it being Women’s Month, I wanted to do something that had real meaning.”
The DA Women’s Network (DAWN) in the Eastern Cape and the DA Students’ Organisation (DASO) at Nelson Mandela University have embarked on a sanitary towel drive and Cllr Graham decided that she wanted to do the same thing in Graaff-Reinet.
As a Councillor, she is assigned to work in Ward 6 (Umasizakhe) and she decided to collect as many sanitary towels as possible and hand them over to Nqweba Secondary School in Umasizakhe. The school will then administer the distribution of the sanitary towels to the girls who need them.
A special assembly with only the girl learners will be held at Nqweba Secondary School on August 10 for the handover.
After placing a post on local Facebook groups and her personal wall, Cllr Graham has been absolutely amazed at the response from people from all over the world. “I know that essentially, South Africans have hearts of gold but many people who want to help don’t know how to do it or where their assistance is needed.
This is a real and meaningful form of assistance to people who really need it and folks have jumped at the opportunity.”
She has already received cash donations from many local people, from Cape Town and even from the Philippines! One local resident donated a bulk box of sanitary towels and many have pledged to donate a pack or two. There is a collection box set up at Mooi Nooi Boutique at 40 Caledon Street, next to Brian Bands, or Cllr Graham is also prepared to collect from donors.
Anybody who wishes to donate money towards the campaign can also contact her to get bank details on 083 409 9196.
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