Affinity Health and the 100% Foundation collaborate with Youngage Foundation to help empower schoolgirls and instil confidence.

Turn Up For Girls

One hundred sanitary pads were recently donated to the Grade 7 girls at Igagasi Primary School, in Spruitview. The sanitary products were expected to be kept at the school and distributed to identified girls every month.

It is a widespread but unacknowledged problem that girls, especially those living in underprivileged areas in South Africa, miss school and stay at home because of menstruation.

According to a report by the Global Citizen organisation, an estimated 3.7 million South African girls cannot afford sanitary products and as many as 30% of girls do not attend school while menstruating, according to a study by Stellenbosch University.

Girls’ school attendance rates are linked to their menstrual cycles in a variety of ways. To begin with, the lack of inexpensive sanitary goods and facilities for girls and women puts them at a disadvantage in terms of schooling while they are young, as well as limiting their mobility and productivity as adults.

Second, the lack of safe and healthy sanitation, such as toilets and running water, means that many girls do not have a safe and private place to change or dispose of pads at school.

Third, the taboo nature of menstruation discourages girls and their communities from discussing and addressing the issue; promoting awareness and education to eradicate the stigma associated with menstruation is an important element of the fight.

When Affinity Health heard of #TurnUpForGirls campaign launched by the Youngage Foundation – an NPO focused on upliftment through giving back initiatives – the Group were honoured to joined in the worthy cause to provide hygiene protection and comfort for girls.

“While steps have been taken to address the needs for sanitary care in South Africa with Government proposing  that free sanitary towels should be provided to schoolgirls, the rollout of this has not been rolled out as yet,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“Every girl has the right to school, freedom, protection, and dignity.  Affinity Health is committed to ending ‘period poverty’ permanently and will continue showing our support for ensuring the health and wellbeing of girls in our country.”

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading provider of health insurance, offering you a range of options at affordable rates including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. Our range of healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service at all times. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.