Glencore Coal has spearheaded the Khululeka Sanitary Towel Programme — an initiative dedicated to giving young girls the confidence and security to manage their menstrual cycles without fear or shame. Similarly, Glencore Ferroalloys's 'Sanitary Dignity Campaign Drive' aims to provide essential sanitary products and education on menstrual health.
Glencore says that an estimated 7 million girls in South Africa are forced to miss school each month due to the lack of sanitary towels.
These girls miss approximately 50 days of school a year, further widening the gender gap in education and potentially limiting their future possibilities, says Glencore. The sad reality is that they lose up to 25% of learning opportunities each year.
Glencore Coal and Ferroalloys say that they are stepping up to break this cycle, ensuring that young girls in the communities they operate in never have to miss a day of school due to a lack of sanitary towels.
This crisis extends beyond the classroom and has lifelong consequences. Menstrual health is not just about hygiene; it's about dignity, opportunity and equality. Without proper support, girls who miss school are at a higher risk of falling behind academically, dropping out of school and even facing gender-based violence (GBV) when left vulnerable at home, adds the company.
"We refuse to accept a world where young girls are denied their future simply because of their biology. Through our initiatives, we are not only providing sanitary towels, but we are also restoring confidence, hope and dignity to the young girls. This initiative removes the periodic hygiene worry for many learners and allows them to focus on their studies throughout the year," says Khomotjo Mashiane, Community Manager at Glencore Coal South Africa.
To kick off the year, Glencore says that it has donated over 97 000 sanitary towels to more than 16 000 girl learners in various schools around eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, Rustenburg, North West and Steelpoort, Limpopo ensuring that young girls have the support they need to stay in school and reach their full potential.
"We successfully delivered the Sanitary Dignity for All bags, and while we couldn't reach everyone in need, the impact on those individuals was significant and meaningful. We also partnered with the National Prosecuting Authority, who engaged with the girls on the topic of sexual harassment. They emphasised the importance of reporting such incidents and explained the process followed by the Thuthuzela Care Centres to support girls and boys from initial reporting through to court proceedings and beyond," says Louis Snyman, Group Manager Human Rights, Cultural Heritage and Community Health at Glencore Ferroalloys.
Glencore concludes that it remains committed to bridging the gender gap in education and fostering a future where every girl can chase her dreams without limitations. Through meaningful action and dedicated partnerships, it is ensuring that menstrual health is no longer a barrier for female learners.
For more information, visit www.glencore.com. You can also follow Glencore on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor