In recognition of Menstrual Hygiene Day, Jockey South Africa partnered with the Womandla Foundation to host a menstrual health and hygiene awareness session for learners at Greenbury Secondary School in Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal, on 29 May 2026.
The initiative responded to a reality faced by many young South African girls, where a period can impact far more than physical health. Period poverty, stigma and limited access to menstrual health education continue to affect confidence, school attendance and overall wellbeing. As part of its support for the initiative, Jockey South Africa also handed over dignity packs, helping to pair education with practical support.
For many learners, managing a period is not only about having access to sanitary products. It is also about having the right information, safe facilities, privacy and the confidence to speak openly when support is needed. Without these basics reinforced, menstruation can become a source of anxiety, embarrassment and disruption. In some cases, girls can miss up to 25% of the school year due to period poverty, which can translate into several days of learning lost each month.
“Menstrual hygiene is about far more than managing a period. It protects a girl’s health, dignity and ability to learn with confidence,” says Zulaka Khan, Womandla Foundation KZN STEAM Lead. “Without access to sanitary products, clean water, private facilities and accurate information, many girls face unnecessary challenges that can affect their wellbeing, attendance and academic performance. When these barriers are removed, young women are better positioned to focus on their education, participate fully in school life and to reach their potential.”
The session covered menstrual hygiene management, common misconceptions, healthy habits, period poverty and knowing when to seek support. Learners were also encouraged to understand menstruation as a normal part of life, rather than something to hide or feel ashamed of.
Khan says practical education is just as important as open conversation. “Adopting hygienic habits can make a significant difference to a girl’s health and confidence during her period,” adds Khan. “Sanitary towels should be changed every three to four hours, even if they are not full, and hands should be washed before and after changing a pad.
Girls should also avoid reusing disposable pads or flushing sanitary products down the toilet. Where bins are not available, carrying a small period kit with spare pads, clean underwear and a sealable packet can help them feel prepared and supported throughout the school day.”
The partnership with Womandla Foundation allowed Jockey South Africa to support a conversation closely connected to dignity, confidence and everyday wellbeing. As a brand rooted in comfort and quality, Jockey’s involvement aligned with the business’ belief that feeling supported in your body plays an important role in how confidently people move through life.
“Confidence starts with feeling comfortable, supported and informed,” says Nombuso Ncapai, Marketing Manager at Jockey South Africa. “For Jockey South Africa, this collaboration was about contributing to a conversation that matters. Menstrual health is closely linked to dignity, self-confidence and wellbeing, and every girl deserves access to the knowledge and support that enables her to participate fully in school and in life.”
Khan says open conversation remains one of the most important ways to address stigma and misinformation. “Many girls still grow up believing that menstruation is something to hide or feel ashamed of. These misconceptions can lead to anxiety, embarrassment and unhealthy practices. Creating safe spaces where young people can ask questions and access reliable information helps normalise menstruation and empowers girls to make informed decisions about their health,” says Khan.
The initiative also highlighted the role that businesses can play in supporting menstrual health in practical and meaningful ways. Through access, education and partnerships with community organisations, corporate involvement can help reduce stigma through education and remove barriers that affect young women’s ability to learn and thrive.
“When corporates invest in menstrual health initiatives such as ours, they are investing in the health, dignity and inclusion of young women,” says Khan. “Whether through access to products, educational programmes or improved sanitation facilities, these interventions help remove barriers that prevent girls from participating fully in school and society.”
Empowering the next generation of women requires collective action. From schools and communities to corporates and families, we all have a role to play in curbing period poverty, challenging stigma and helping young women manage menstruation with confidence and dignity.
