About seven million South African women are held captive by ‘period poverty’ and face potential long-term consequences that begin with missing school and later lead to lost educational and employment opportunities, says SPAR South Africa, which announced today (28/05/2025) that it is launching a practical national campaign to help women have access to affordable hygiene products. 

From May 28, designated as Menstrual Hygiene Day worldwide, SPAR will support menstrual health for women by ensuring that, for under R100 per year (on average R6 per month), girls and women can access sanitary towels at SPAR stores throughout South Africa, says Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager at The SPAR Group. 

The offer will continue until further notice says Maubane, stressing that the objective is part of SPAR’s commitment to helping promote the dignity of all South African women by working to bring an end to period poverty by 2030.

“Presently, about 30% of the nation’s girls miss school regularly because they can’t afford menstrual hygiene products. Each girl misses about 50 days of schooling a year, placing her at a learning disadvantage. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of basic sanitation and toilets in more than 1,700 schools, where shortages of running water and soap are also common.”

“We are dedicated to implementing practical interventions by making sanitary products affordable and easily accessible. At the same time, we support ongoing efforts to normalise conversations around menstruation, a subject often avoided or regarded as taboo in many sectors of society.”

As a community-based retailer, SPAR is committed to supporting the health and dignity of all women and girls.

Breaking the stigma requires the involvement of everyone. SPAR is determined to lead the way by promoting discussions about what is a natural feminine function, and by fostering understanding and support, finding ways to address the issues of period poverty in schools and workplaces, stresses Maubane.

“By enabling girls and women, especially those who face financial challenges, to buy quality pads at a price that will fit even the tightest household budgets, SPAR South Africa is proud to be fostering the development of an inclusive society in which women can take their rightful places without being held back by something as natural as menstruation,” says Maubane.

For Further information about the SPAR campaign and ways to contribute to ending period poverty in South Africa, visit https://sparendperiodpoverty.co.za/

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