The project will see Caltex donating dignity packs, including Mina menstrual cups, to every primary school girl at the Rheederspark School in Welkom.

Poor menstrual health affects physical, mental and social well being. No access to proper sanitary care products and hygienic ablution facilities contribute to women missing at least 6 days per month of work due to vaginal infections. In South Africa alone, it estimated that over 160 million used tampons or pads are thrown away every month. SA lack of adequate menstrual health care denies women and girls their right to education, right to health and right to work in favourable conditions. UNESCO estimates that 1 in 10 African girls miss school because of their periods. Millions of girls around the world are missing school and being denied a chance to education because they have no access to hygienic sanitary products: 

Menstrual health is still considered taboo in certain parts of the world in this day and age. A recent visit to Zambia highlighted the plight of women prisoners who are made to dig a hole in the sand and sit in it during menstruation. Females are using unhygienic materials such as leaves, sand, rags and newspaper. In parts of Kenya menstruating women are not allowed to touch or milk cows for fear that the animals will get sick and die.83% of girls in Burkina Faso have no place to change or dispose off their sanitary materials. At least 2 million girls in SA miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products.3 packs of pads/tampons = 1 months supply. 1 Mina = 60 months supply. 

Corporate South Africa, like Caltex,  is making visionary and positive strides. Educated mothers are less likely to die during childbirth and tend to only get married and have children when they are ready. Educated women contribute to the work force and keep hunger pangs away in their homes. A Ghanaian study found that girls attendance increased substantially after receiving free sanitary products and puberty education. Improving levels of education in girls means lower rates of teenage pregnancies and reduces the risk of cervical cancer.

For more information, visit happywithapurpose.com and minacup.org

Olebogeng Motse spoke to Trevor Elie, Executive Director for the Caltex Branded Marketer in the Free State, to find out more. Listen here: