During Women’s Month in August, Air Products donated approximately 15 000 sanitary pads to female learners at three schools in the Gauteng area as part of their “Flow Campaign”. The beneficiary schools included two primary schools, Thabisang Primary in Soweto and Laerskool Kreft in Kempton Park and the Fred Nxorman Secondary School in Ennerdale, where each learner received products to last them for three months.
The “Flow Campaign” was launched a few years ago to address the dire need in the country for sanitary products for female learners who miss out on numerous school days every year due to a lack of access to these products.
Air Products’ strategic corporate social investment (CSI) focus is on the youth and education, and the “Flow Campaign” was launched as the company realised that there is a direct link between the academic performance of female learners and their menstrual cycle. With a tagline, “Don’t let your flow stop your go”, learners are encouraged to focus on continued school attendance and completing their education.
The primary school learners also each received a book called ‘My PMS Diary’ by author TT Mbha, who wrote the book with his two daughters. During his visit to Thabisang Primary School, he encouraged the female learners to have open discussions with their parents, especially their fathers and to be proud of their bodies and embrace the changes brought about by womanhood. The journal aims to encourage young girls to note their feelings and the changes they experience in their bodies.
Part of the formalities at the events, especially at the primary schools, included a brief talk to the learners about the changes they go through, the use of sanitary products and general advice on personal hygiene during their menstrual cycle.
Arthi Govender, Chairperson of Air Products’ CSI Committee, highlighted that the educational talk forms an important part of the event, as some learners live with grandparents or other family members and do not feel comfortable discussing the topic. In some households and communities, the topic is taboo.
Govender further commented: “Research shows, and many teachers echo the fact that female learners who do not have proper sanitary products will stay at home during their menstrual cycle, which over a few months or a year, leads to a loss of numerous school days and important education time. We strive to assist the learners to remain in school throughout the year, but more importantly, we want them to know that the transition to womanhood is not something to be embarrassed about. Our aim is for every female learner who received a pack to experience a sense of hope, dignity and pride in themselves and their bodies”.
In conclusion, Govender said that there is a wonderful synergy between their “Flow Campaign” and Women’s Month as the month celebrates and embraces women. “As a company, we want young females to know their worth from a young age. By emphasising their strength, potential and future opportunities, we hope to contribute to a society characterised by females who know that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or current socio-economic situation”.