August is Women’s Month in South Africa, a time dedicated to celebrating the triumphs and challenges faced by women. Among these critical issues is menstrual hygiene—an often-overlooked aspect of women’s health. With period poverty, stigma, and the urgent need for accessible sanitary products, this Women’s Month calls for a collective effort to create spaces where all women can live, thrive, and embrace their health without shame.
Championing Menstruation Liberation
Kotex®, a pioneering leader in menstrual hygiene products, continues to drive positive change. This year, the brand is amplifying its efforts by collaborating with experts, thought leaders, the Department of Basic Education, and popular influencers to spread a message of hope, empowerment, and upliftment.
Caitlin Meredith, Marketing Manager for Kotex®, emphasizes that the focus is on empowering women to embrace their authentic selves. “Women continue to show resilience and determination even in the face of adversity. We see this in the inspiring stories of Olympic gold medalist Tatjana Schoenmaker and singer Tyla, who recently won the first-ever GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance. These achievements, alongside the everyday heroism of South African women, drive us as a brand to serve and support all women in tackling issues that affect them—including menstrual health,” she says.
School-Level Interventions: The Stay YOUnique School Programme
Last year, Kotex® launched the Stay YOUnique School Programme in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. Through this initiative, premium sanitary products were donated to 250 schools, benefiting 75,000 grade 6 and 7 learners across Gauteng. Medical professional and health advocate Dr. Nosipho Danielle Mhlanga played a pivotal role, visiting schools to educate young girls, dispel menstruation myths, and promote hygiene practices.
The programme fostered open dialogue between parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, creating a supportive environment for addressing menstruation-related challenges. Through these efforts, Kotex® aims to equip young girls with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthy, confident lives.
Research and Insights: Addressing the Key Issues
The inaugural ‘P-Word’ Survey, conducted this year, highlighted the pressing need to destigmatize menstruation. Responses from women across informal settlements, rural areas, and urban communities shed light on their experiences with menstruation, access to sanitary products, and the social challenges they face. The survey revealed that:
- 60% of women experience significant discomfort during menstruation.
- 46% reported that menstruation affects daily activities like work, school, and socializing.
- 43% of women, particularly those aged 18 and younger, experience shame and stigmatization related to menstruation.
- Nearly 80% of respondents struggle with financial constraints when purchasing menstrual products.
These findings echo the need for accessible sanitary products, a cause Kotex® championed in 2018 by lobbying for VAT exemption on sanitary pads. The government’s approval marked a significant victory in the fight against period poverty and signaled the start of renewed efforts to prioritize menstrual health in public discourse.
From Shame to Self-Worth: Promoting Cycle Syncing and Holistic Health
Another key area of focus is ‘cycle syncing’—the practice of tailoring your lifestyle to the four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases. Research by Kotex® found that 74% of women were unfamiliar with this concept. To raise awareness, Kotex® launched the Day 28 campaign, featuring expert advice from Dr. Mhlanga, Dr. Riaad Moosa, and influencers like Minette Roth and Nadia Jaftha.
Efforts like these are vital in encouraging women and young girls to be the best versions of themselves, regardless of the time of the month. “This Women’s Month, let’s unite behind this cause, share our experiences, break through the shame, and normalize menstrual health practices for the well-being of this generation and those to come,” says Dr. Mhlanga.
Kotex®’s initiatives this Women’s Month go beyond product support—they represent a movement towards menstrual liberation. By fostering open conversations, driving awareness, and supporting young girls, Kotex® is making strides in breaking down barriers and empowering women across South Africa. It’s time to unite, celebrate our shared strength, and prioritize women’s health for a better future.
