It’s become foundational to everything we do
Since our launch in early 2020, we have proudly taken bold steps in our mission to eradicate period poverty. We still have a long way to go – but with people like you learning about our charity and contributing in whatever way you can, we are proving that societal change really is possible.
Every donation, conversation, and act of support helps us reach more girls and build a future where no young woman is held back by a natural, monthly occurrence.
Out of all knowledge and insights we’ve gained since beginning our journey, there is one story that has become invaluable to our charity and, in essence, has developed into a foundational principle for everything we do.
We went to a squatter camp and met a young woman
For those of you who don’t know, a squatter camp is a settlement where families build shacks out of whatever materials they can find — corrugated iron, wood, plastic, often salvaged from refuse dumps.
These communities are usually found on the outskirts of towns and cities, marked by deep poverty and the absence of basics like sanitation, running water, and electricity.
Too often, residents face additional hardships such as flash floods and fires: flooding when settlements are built along rivers, and fire when shacks sit tightly packed on dry, fire-prone land. The closeness of the dwellings also means tension can flare, with mistrust and even violence adding to daily struggles.
It was in one of these communities that we met Nandi, 17, a young woman whose story continues to inspire us. Despite the lack of resources and the harsh conditions she faced, she carried herself with grace and resilience.
Dignity and pride can NEVER be sacrificed
Nandi spoke about her determination to attend school, no matter the obstacles. For her, education is the only path to a different future — but the reality of managing her period with almost no resources often stood in her way. With no access to proper sanitary products, she was forced to miss classes, improvise with unsafe alternatives, or face the embarrassment of leaks and stigma.
And yet, despite these challenges, Nandi’s pride in herself never wavered. She was clear, articulate, and hopeful — determined not to let her circumstances define her or dictate her future. She was driven by an unwavering desire to improve her circumstances and fight her way out of poverty.
In itself, not an unusual story for this part of the world. But what is hard to capture in this article was her spirit. She had the glow of leadership, and we believe that we will be seeing more from her in the future — doing great things not just for herself, but for her community too.
She showed us that dignity and pride are not only the most important gifts we possess, but can be the power that dictates the success of our future.
Help us to not just eradicate period poverty, but to assist in creating South Africa’s future leaders.
