Cups help keep girls in school
In an effort to keep young girls in school, especially while menstruating, the Lidar community centre recently received a donation of menstrual cups.
Yolanda Nel - “Due to inadequate means to manage their menstruation, one out of every ten girls drops out of school every month,” says Erika Reissner, marketing manager at Alexander Forbes. At this company they believe that through education and partnerships, they can focus on women, education and empowerment.At the handover, Alexander Forbes donated 200 Elle cups that can be used during menstruation instead of sanitary pads or tampons. “Namibia needs healthy, well-educated and informed women and men to become the young leaders of tomorrow and lead by example and experience,” she added.
Reissner said that it is not just the girls' education that suffers during menstruation but also their overall health, which can lead to reproductive diseases. “Without access to sustainable menstrual hygiene supplies, facilities and support, girls are vulnerable to infection and health issues which further contribute to girls being prone to school absenteeism.”
Executive director of Lidar, Serley Khaxas, said that they are thankful for the donation. “This will go a long way to ensuring that our girls don't miss class while menstruating.”
The Elle cup has many benefits and if it is well taken care of, can last up to 15 years. The average cost of one cup is R335 in South Africa. For every one cup purchased, another cup is sponsored to community projects like Lidar.