Mimi women reaches target of one million sanitary pads

Mimi Women, formally known as Happy Days, is a proudly South African, locally produced sanitary pad that is distributed among historically disadvantaged communities to keep girls in school. And through the support of corporate social investment programmes as well as individuals, it has exceeded its target to distribute one million sanitary pads, keeping 32,500 girls in school, over nine provinces and three countries.

“Mimi Women was founded on the premise that menstruation shouldn’t result in absences, nor should it lead to girls missing out on their right to an education and an opportunity for a career,” says Mimi CEO Ramona Kasavan. “We set out to find a sustainable solution to the challenge and are pleased that today we can boldly say that through donations and sponsorships we can keep 32 500 girls, living across nine provinces, within three African countries, in school without fear of being ridiculed and embarrassed because of their menstruation.”

It is estimated that because of the lack of affordable sanitary pads thousands of South African girls lose an average of 60 days, which equates to 20%, of the school calendar year. This means that over a 12-year schooling career, girls can lose up to 528 days of school. Alternatively, school going girls are often forced to use old rags as a substitute pad or entertain a ‘blesser’ to avoid missing school due to their monthly period. The eventuality is that too often girls are forced to drop out of school because of shame or because they’ve fallen irretrievably behind with their work.

“Working together, we can do more to ensure that these young women, who are our future leaders, retain their dignity and look forward to a brighter future. For a donation of just R180 for an entire year per girl, there should be no reason for girls to miss out on school because of their period,” says Kasavan

If you are interested in getting involved call 011 025 8759 or email [email protected].