Education around periods is sadly lacking
For many South African girls, their first period arrives with confusion, fear, or even shame. That is because, in many homes and schools, menstrual education is patchy at best, and completely absent at worst. Girls often do not understand what is happening to their bodies, why it is happening, or how to deal with it safely.
Inaccurate information can lead to huge social problems. Myths and misconceptions about periods fuel embarrassment, stigma, and even bullying. Some girls are taught they are unclean. Others believe they must isolate themselves during their cycle.
Without clear, factual guidance, they are left to guess their way through something they should be empowered to manage.
Information comes from various sources
With formal education on menstruation so limited, girls turn to whoever is available. Some hear from older sisters or mothers, who may themselves have grown up without proper guidance. Others learn from friends at school, repeating the same half-truths they heard elsewhere. A few lucky girls may have a teacher who covers the basics — but even that depends on the school, the curriculum, and the teacher’s confidence.
The result is a patchwork of information, with no guarantees of accuracy or consistency. For a girl facing her first period, this can be overwhelming. Instead of receiving reassurance, she is often left with uncertainty and fear.
How do they know who or what to trust?
When you are given conflicting information from different people, who do you believe? One girl might be told a period is a curse. Another might be warned not to touch certain foods. Another may be told nothing at all. Without reliable education, girls are left to piece together a story that often leaves them anxious, confused, or ashamed.
This lack of trust in information leads to poor decisions and dangerous habits. It also reinforces silence. When girls are unsure who to talk to, they say nothing. And that silence creates isolation, misinformation, and cycles of stigma that continue across generations.
Correcting the narrative
At Siyakunakekela, we believe knowledge is power — and every girl deserves to understand her body without shame. That is why we work not only to provide sanitary products, but also to offer clear, age-appropriate, and accurate menstrual education in schools and communities.
We help correct the narrative from the ground up. That means talking openly, answering questions without judgement, and equipping girls with the facts they need to make informed choices. When a girl knows what to expect, how to manage it, and that she is not alone — she is not just prepared, she is empowered.
For just £25 a month, you can help an entire classroom of girls face their periods without fear. Please donate today, and help us remove the unnecessary stigma of periods.
