Grade 9 to 12 learners from the Marralaneng Secondary School in Ficksburg will receive 520 dignity cups on Wednesday (12/2) from Astron Energy as their social investment programme for disadvantaged girls in the Free State.

The programme promotes sustained social economic growth through two key focus areas – education and health. Astron Energy decided to support young girls who can’t afford sanitary products and end up missing school which sets them back from their growth and development.

“Millions of girls around the world are missing school and being denied the chance to education because they have no access to hygiene and sanitary products,” said Free State Astron brand marketer Trevor Elie.

“The local government which includes the office of the mayor’s special programmes, the Department of Health and the Department of Education were all invited to the event.”

The Mina cup is a silicone cup that is made from 100% medical-grade silicone that’s bio-compatible and lasts up to five years. The cup is a sustainable solution to stop them from missing school simply because disadvantaged girls can’t afford what is called a “dignity pack”.

Marralaneng Secondary School in Ficksburg will receive 520 dignity cups. Photo supplied

Daily Maverick reports 83% of female learners do not have regular access to menstrual hygiene products at school and their home. One in four learners miss school monthly because of a lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and support during their periods.

Free State Astrong Energy also invested in the school feeding programme for the day, which in total will feed 1,049 children of the secondary school.

The Mina silicone cup lasts up to five years. Photo: minacup.com

The World Bank Group also reports at least 500 million women and girls globally lack adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. The challenge menstruating girls and women face is often less tangible than simply the availability of infrastructure and is rooted in social norms and beliefs.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg