Sun International united to #KeepAGirlChildInSchool this World Children’s Day

Campaign focuses on keeping female learners in school through opportunity, dignity and equality

Thirty percent of South African schoolgirls miss school because they do not have access to sanitary pads, which is nearly 90 days of learning lost each year. Initiatives like #KeepAGirlChildInSchool are essential in ensuring that no girl falls through the cracks due to period poverty.

In recognition of World Children’s Day, Sun International’s Central Office rallied behind this critical cause, launching its campaign: “We fight period poverty, one girl at a time.”

“This forms part of our commitment to empowering young girls with the dignity, confidence, and support they need to stay in school and succeed,” says Sun International’s SED Manager, Heidi Edson.

On 6 November, the Group SED team conducted its first school visit at Fleurhof Primary School, where Grade 6 and 7 girls received sanitary pads through a partnership with Honeycomb Social Impact, which aims to address several critical issues facing society today. As the pads provided are reusable, each pack offers long-term protection and relief, making every donation stretch much further than a single month and providing girls with ongoing security and dignity.

This handover forms part of the broader programme, and Central Office’s broader commitment to supporting adolescent girls with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive. The programme includes the Menstruation Education Programme, facilitated by trained professionals, alongside the rollout of a sanitary pad vending system.

As part of the internal activation that supported this campaign, the Sales and Marketing Department emerged as the winning team and received R5 000 to donate to a charity of their choice. They will be directing this contribution to the Thuthuzela Aid Community Centre in Alexandra.

The second handover at Cosmo Junior Primary School took place on Friday, 28 November 2025. 

“We gave 400 sanitary pads to 40 grade 6/7 girls. In addition, Honeycomb also provided 40 buckets of reusable sanitary pads to the girls,” said Edson.

Similar to the previous handover, the day included an engaging educational workshop, which was aimed at empowering and educating young women to be well-informed and confident about their cycle.

Thanks to the collective generosity of the Central Office teams and a total contribution of R200 000, more than 8 000 underprivileged girls across Gauteng will now have access to sanitary pads.

“On behalf of Honeycomb Social Impact (HSI), I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to partner with Sun International,” said Bernadette Theunissen, founder and director.

“Through this collaboration, we were able to take an important step in addressing period poverty and menstrual inequity among young girls in low-wealth South African communities. The event was not only a success but an inspiring demonstration of what can be achieved when purpose-driven organisations work hand in hand to uplift and empower the next generation of women.”

Edson commented: "Young learners are the future of our country so we are grateful to be involved in helping them pursue the best education they can, with uninterrupted lessons. Everyone deserves dignity.”

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