South Africa: Bleeding with dignity: Ending period poverty for good

The Organisation for Young Women’s Dignity (TOFYWD), a youth‑ and women‑led organisation, implemented the Girl Glow Project in northern Johannesburg. The initiative responds to the challenges faced by girls who experience period poverty, lack menstrual health information, and endure persistent stigma. These challenges contribute to school absenteeism, low confidence, and reduced participation in daily activities.

The project created supportive, safe learning environments across community centres, schools, and local spaces. Key activities included menstrual health workshops, discussions on bodily autonomy, peer‑led sessions, and distribution of sanitary products. Girls were encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and support each other.

Through partnerships with Region C Forum and other community spaces, the project expanded its reach and embedded interventions within local environments. Girls served not just as beneficiaries but as peer supporters and advocates, spreading accurate information and challenging harmful menstrual myths.

Before the intervention, many girls struggled with limited knowledge, unaffordable sanitary products, and stigma that made menstruation a source of shame. Following the project, girls gained practical menstrual health knowledge, access to sanitary products, and renewed self‑confidence. They now better understand their bodies, feel supported by their peers, and no longer view menstruation as taboo.

The change has shifted communities from silence to open dialogue. Improved confidence and dignity among girls has reduced stigma and increased school participation. The project contributes significantly to menstrual equity by demonstrating that community‑driven initiatives can create sustainable impact.

Looking ahead, TOFYWD plans to deepen its monitoring tools, strengthen partnerships, and scale programmes into new communities. Using lessons from implementation, TOFYWD will replicate and expand the Girl Glow model, promoting menstrual health as a human rights issue.

Quotes 

Olerato Seelo Before the menstrual health session, I felt ashamed and scared whenever my period came. Now I understand my body and support my friends.

Lebogang Seeing another girl with a disability demonstrate how to use a pad showed me that every girl can manage her period with dignity.

Katlego Poane I am proud of my menstruation now and learned that there are different sanitary products to choose from.