Menstrual Dignity In Schools Must Be Treated As A Basic Right, Not A Charitable Act

By the Department of Basic Education, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Premier FMCG and the Baithudi Mampane Foundation.

Annually on 28 May, the world observes Menstrual Hygiene Day a reminder that menstruation is a normal and healthy part of life, and that access to menstrual products, information, and sanitation facilities should never be determined by income or circumstance.

Yet for many girls across South Africa, period poverty remains a daily reality. Too many learners continue to miss school, struggle in silence, or face shame and stigma because they cannot access basic menstrual health support.

This is not simply a health issue. It is an education issue, a dignity issue, and a matter of equality

Prioritising Menstrual Dignity In Schools

As partners committed to improving the wellbeing and educational outcomes of young people, the Department of Basic Education, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Premier FMCG and the Baithudi Mampane Foundation believe that menstrual dignity in schools must be prioritised as part of creating safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for every learner.

When girls are unable to manage their periods safely and confidently, the consequences extend far beyond hygiene. It affects attendance, concentration, confidence, participation, and long-term educational outcomes. In many communities, the barriers associated with menstruation are compounded by poverty, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, misinformation, and persistent stigma.

Globally, there is growing recognition that menstrual health is a fundamental right linked to health, education, and gender equality. Governments and institutions are increasingly treating menstrual products as essential items rather than optional extras. South Africa must continue strengthening its own efforts to ensure that no learner is left behind because of menstruation.

“Menstrual dignity is fundamental to ensuring that girls are able to learn, participate, and thrive in safe and supportive school environments,” said Reginah Mhaule.

“No learner should be disadvantaged, excluded, or miss valuable learning opportunities because of a lack of access to menstrual health support. As the Department of Basic Education, we recognise the importance of working with partners across sectors to strengthen access to sanitary products, improve awareness, and create school environments where girls feel supported and empowered.”

Sustainable Solutions Are Needed

Addressing period poverty requires more than symbolic gestures or once-off campaigns. Sustainable solutions are needed. This includes improving access to free or affordable menstrual products in schools, strengthening menstrual health education, ensuring schools have adequate sanitation facilities, and creating environments where learners can speak openly about menstruation without fear or embarrassment.

“Business has an important role to play in supporting government and civil society to create an environment where every young girl has the opportunity to succeed,” said Premier FMCG.

“When girls are supported to stay in school, learn with dignity, and participate fully in their education, the long-term social and economic benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Partnerships between the private sector, government, and community organisations are essential if we are to realise our shared national goals of improving educational outcomes, advancing gender equality, and empowering the next generation of young women.”

Young People Call For Practical Interventions

Importantly, young people themselves have consistently called for practical and accessible interventions.

“Menstruation time is one of the hardest times a girl goes through, but it shouldn't have to get harder because of a lack of sanitary pads,” says Surprise Mokwatsi.

“Simple interventions such as pad dispensers in toilets can make a huge difference when a learner starts her period unexpectedly at school.”

Palesa Tsotetsi adds that education and awareness are equally important in dismantling stigma.

“Girls should not miss school because of their periods. Boys, families, educators, and communities also need to be part of the conversation so menstruation is normalised and young girls feel supported.”

Collaboration Across All Sectors

“As organisations working directly with communities and young people, we see firsthand how period poverty affects confidence, school attendance, and the wellbeing of girls,” said Thapelo Mampane.

“Addressing menstrual dignity requires all sectors to work together government, business, civil society, and communities. When we invest in supporting young girls to remain in school and learn with dignity, we are investing in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future for South Africa.”

The responsibility to protect menstrual dignity cannot rest with schools alone. It requires collaboration between government departments, civil society organisations, healthcare providers, development partners, communities, and the private sector. We must work together to ensure that menstrual health becomes integrated into broader learner wellness and support programmes.

“We need to move beyond symbolic gestures and once-off campaigns,” said Ngaa Murombedzi.

“Menstrual health support must be practical, sustainable, and consistent. This is not charity it is about protecting dignity, improving educational outcomes, and creating equal opportunities for young women and girls.”

A Call To Prioritise Menstrual Dignity

As South Africa marks Menstrual Hygiene Day, we call on all stakeholders to prioritise menstrual dignity as part of building an equitable education system where every learner can thrive.

Menstrual dignity is not charity. It is a matter of rights, equality, and opportunity.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION