How Aheers Supermarket Tackled Period Poverty This Women's Month
Making Women's Month Count
Every August, South Africa pauses to celebrate Women's Month. During this time, we honour the courage and contribution of women across the country. At Aheers Supermarket, we wanted our celebration to go beyond words. So, this year, we turned our attention to an issue that quietly holds too many young women back: period poverty.
We're proud to share the results. Throughout Women's Month, our community came together to collect 411 packs of sanitary pads for women and girls who need them in our community.
Initiatives like this are only as strong as the people behind them. Whether you donated a single pack or several, told a friend about the drive, or supported us in spirit, you played a part in this achievement.
On behalf of everyone at Aheers Supermarket and the wider Aheers Group, thank you for helping us make Women's Month count.
Supporting Our Local Schools
The donated sanitary pads were distributed to three local schools:
- Tholinhlanhla Primary School
- Buhlebuyeza High School
- Mhlangezulu Secondary School
Why Period Poverty Deserves Our Attention
Period poverty, which is the lack of access to sanitary products, menstrual health education, and basic hygiene facilities, remains a significant barrier for women and girls in South Africa.
According to BBC News, approximately 7 million girls in South Africa are affected by period poverty.
The consequences reach far beyond discomfort. Without access to sanitary products, girls are often forced to stay home from school during their periods. Research cited by the University of Pretoria shows that a girl can miss up to five days of school a month because of this, which adds up to nearly two months of missed schooling every year.
Two months. That's enough time to fall behind in a term's worth of work, lose confidence in the classroom, and, for some girls, disengage from school altogether.
Missed education has a ripple effect too, shaping future opportunities, employability, and independence. When we talk about empowering women, ensuring girls simply stay in school is one of the most powerful and achievable places to start.
Every pack donated during our drive represents a girl who can attend school with dignity, a woman who won't have to choose between sanitary products and other essentials, and a community stepping up for its own.
Looking Ahead
If you'd like to get involved in future donation drives or community initiatives, keep an eye on our blog and social media pages, or pop into Aheers Supermarket to find out more.