The Siyahluma Project, started by five foster mothers from Grahamstown Child Welfare Services, has launched a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to sanitary towels.
In the reusable kit, provided either free of charge to the needy or at a nominal price, women are given flannel liners made of reliable and washable materials.
Each kit contains eight liners which are folded into three. They are held in place by two moisture-barrier shields which also stop leaks.
The kits come with a small freezer bag for holding soiled items, a drawstring bag to carry the items around, a wash cloth and travel-sized soap.
Rhodes University systems and scholarship coordinator Dr Sharli Paphitis said the kit lasts for around three years and costs about R140.
Disposable pads bought over a three-year span could add up to anything between R1 582 and R3 041.
“The project is directed at every woman, everywhere.
“The reusable kits are green, economical and beautiful.
“They are for every woman who wants a sustainable, affordable and hygienic way to manage her menstruation safely, reliably and responsibly,” she said.
“We partner with local schools in Grahamstown where we have been distributing kits free of charge to learners who cannot afford them, but kits are also available for sale. We also partner with local schools for critical education dialogues and discussions.”
The kits – funded by the Rotary Anns, Rhodes University, Days for Girls and Circle of Sisterhood – are made by the Child Welfare foster mothers.
“They have been trained in both sewing and business skills through the Days for Girls Programme to produce the kits, and they sew the products here in Grahamstown,” Paphitis said.
“We appeal to the public to continue to support our work.”
Sustainable, affordable, hygienic
In the reusable kit, provided either free of charge to the needy or at a nominal price, women are given flannel liners made of reliable and washable materials.
Each kit contains eight liners which are folded into three. They are held in place by two moisture-barrier shields which also stop leaks.
The kits come with a small freezer bag for holding soiled items, a drawstring bag to carry the items around, a wash cloth and travel-sized soap.
Rhodes University systems and scholarship coordinator Dr Sharli Paphitis said the kit lasts for around three years and costs about R140.
Disposable pads bought over a three-year span could add up to anything between R1 582 and R3 041.
“The project is directed at every woman, everywhere.
“The reusable kits are green, economical and beautiful.
“They are for every woman who wants a sustainable, affordable and hygienic way to manage her menstruation safely, reliably and responsibly,” she said.
“We partner with local schools in Grahamstown where we have been distributing kits free of charge to learners who cannot afford them, but kits are also available for sale. We also partner with local schools for critical education dialogues and discussions.”
The kits – funded by the Rotary Anns, Rhodes University, Days for Girls and Circle of Sisterhood – are made by the Child Welfare foster mothers.
“They have been trained in both sewing and business skills through the Days for Girls Programme to produce the kits, and they sew the products here in Grahamstown,” Paphitis said.
“We appeal to the public to continue to support our work.”
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