Menstrual Hygiene Day shines spotlight on period poverty in South Africa

Venecia Valentine

Today marks Menstrual Hygiene Day (also known as Menstrual Health Day), an international awareness day focused on ending period poverty, breaking menstrual stigma and improving access to sanitary products and hygiene infrastructure around the world.

Observed annually on 28 May, the global advocacy movement brings together governments, activists, schools, healthcare organisations and communities to push for better menstrual health education and dignity for girls and women.

In South Africa, the conversation around period poverty continues gaining momentum as activists and organisations call for greater access to affordable sanitary products, especially in underserved communities.

Why Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on 28 May

The date was chosen symbolically by WASH United to reflect the average menstrual cycle:

• 28 represents the average number of days in a menstrual cycle
• May, the fifth month, represents the average five days of menstruation

The day aims to normalise conversations around menstruation while highlighting the real social and economic challenges many girls and women still face.

The ongoing fight against period poverty

One of the key goals of Menstrual Hygiene Day is addressing period poverty, the inability to afford or access sanitary products and proper hygiene facilities.

Advocates warn that period poverty continues affecting:

• School attendance
• Confidence and dignity
• Health and hygiene
• Workplace participation
• Gender equality

Among the organisations working to tackle the issue locally is the MENstruation Foundation, co-founded by Siv Ngesi.

Siv Ngesi calls for stronger action against period poverty

Ngesi is also co-founder of Padco, a high-capacity sanitary pad manufacturing facility based in Paarl that produces the Agojie pad.

According to Ngesi, the organisation distributes more than one million sanitary pads across Southern Africa.

“We distribute just over a million sanitary pads throughout Southern Africa, and we will not stop until period poverty is a thing of the past,” he said.

He added that the organisation launched its own manufacturing facility after becoming frustrated with the quality and affordability of products available on the market.

“We produce between 450 and 650 sanitary pads per minute. Honestly, we believe we have the best and most affordable sanitary pads in Africa, if not the world,” Ngesi said.

“Period poverty is a humanity issue”

Although sanitary products in South Africa are already exempt from VAT, Ngesi believes access remains a major challenge for many families.

“For me, period products should be regarded the same way we regard food, water, and dignity,” he said.

“You would never send a child to school without food or water, so why would you send a child to school with blood running down their legs?”

Ngesi also urged more men to become actively involved in conversations around menstrual health and dignity.

“Men need to get involved in this fight. Period poverty is not a women’s issue, it is a humanity issue,” he said.

Breaking stigma around menstrual health

Another major focus of Menstrual Hygiene Day is ending the stigma and shame often associated with periods.

Advocates say open conversations around menstruation are critical to:

• Improving education
• Supporting mental wellbeing
• Reducing isolation
• Challenging harmful stereotypes
• Encouraging healthier hygiene practices

The movement also pushes for improved water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in schools and public spaces to ensure privacy and dignity for girls and women.

Calls grow for accessible period products

As awareness around menstrual health grows globally, activists continue calling for:

• Free sanitary products in schools
• Greater menstrual health education
• Better public sanitation facilities
• Reduced stigma around periods
• Increased support for low-income communities

“We will not stop fighting until period poverty becomes a thing of the past,” Ngesi said.

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