In March 2021, I am setting out to to achieve another worlds first!
I can’t be in South Africa for the 3rd year running and not attempt a challenge, right? I am going to attempt to swim 36 km across False Bay, cycle 360 km to Seweweekspoort and climb 3600 ft to the top of the highest mountain in the Western Cape, Seweweekspoort peak.
THE TARGET IS 48 HOURS!
WHY? Because I am on a mission to raise awareness of period poverty.
DID YOU KNOW THAT 1 IN 10 GIRLS ACROSS THE GLOBE CAN’T AFFORD PERIOD PRODUCTS?
Every day 300 million women and girls around the world menstruate. A seemingly natural occurrence is turned into a nightmare for millions of women and girls through persistent taboos and stigma, lack of access to menstrual products and proper sanitation, as well as lack of education on managing their menstrual cycle.
In south Africa I have witnessed first hand young girls and women using rags, socks and even notebook paper to manage their periods. They miss school and are shamed into staying in the house. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
Lady Talk Matters (a charity a founded in 2019), is working to help eliminate this. We have developed and are in the process of implementing a 3 phase action plan in the local township of Kayamandi. If successful, we will then plan to roll out to other rural areas and countries.
- We have designed and developed re-usable sanitary products that will be distributed at no cost into the communities.
- We are employing women from the communities to manufacture the sanitary products. They are given seamstress classes and are being taught a valuable skill that can also be used outside of work.
- We are providing women and girls with education and necessary support surrounding their reproductive and menstrual health.
HOW CAN YOU HELP CHANGE THE LIFE OF A YOUNG GIRL OR WOMEN TODAY?
It’s easy, by donating just R100 or £5 you can provide a women or girl with a Lady Talk Matters reusable sanitary package. Each package contains 3 re-usable sanitary pads , made from a super-absorbent charcoal/bamboo fabric. They can be washed in cold water which is really important in communities with no access to hot water and hung out in the sunlight to dry. Unfortunately many of the ladies do not have access to running water so the products are packaged in a waterproof bag that can double as a storage and washing bag.
To put this into some perspective, for the cost of just 2 medium Starbucks cappuccinos you can change a girls life for 3 years! Where else do you get such a good return on your investment?
