City staff donate sanitary products to disadvantaged communities

06 September 2024

Today, 6 September 2024, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys, handed over a donation of sanitary pads to Mould Empower Serve (MES), an NGO that addresses poverty within the inner cities of Cape Town; the Durbanville Safe Space for the homeless that services people living on the street in and around Durbanville, and the SAPS Victims Support Trauma Unit that services surrounding areas such as Fisantekraal. The Youth Empowerment Centre in Morningstar has also been identified as a beneficiary to be receiving a donation soon. This donation stemmed from a sanitary products drive from the City’s Corporate Services Directorate during Women’s Month to provide assistance to disadvantaged women and girls who are impacted by the menstrual hygiene crisis that affects so many in the Western Cape. 

Access to sanitary towels is often hindered by financial constraints and socio-cultural stigmas. These challenges not only impact health and hygiene, but also contribute to broader social and economic disparities, including access to education because of all the school days learners miss.

'We know that way too many women and girls miss a significant number of school and work hours because they do not have access to sanitary protection. Thus, in addition to wanting to promote better menstrual hygiene for the women and girls in this area, our aim is to also assist in empowering these individuals by fostering a sense of dignity that allows them to participate in their communities and education. We urge residents and businesses to strongly consider similar donations,' said the City's Mayoral Committee member for Corporate Services, Alderman Theresa Uys.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office