The Western Cape Departments of Cultural Affairs and Sport, and Social Development joined forces in Mitchells Plain on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, and donated over 4000 sanitary products to girls and women in sport.
This Women’s Month Sanitary Pad and Panty Drive is about advancing menstrual dignity for our sportswomen and girls.
The initiative was made possible through a generous donation from the South African Distributors of Incontinence Products (SADIP), comprising more than 4000 sanitary pads, 324 packets of wipes, and over 300 pairs of underwear, facilitated through the Cape Care Fund, with the two Western Cape Government departments working together to connect the donated products with young women participating in sport.
Representatives from local sporting clubs attended the handover, with the products intended for distribution to school-going girls between the ages of 13 and 19. Stakeholder mobilisation was supported by Veruschke Juries, Founder of Running for Pads, who played an important role in connecting the initiative with community stakeholders.
Access to menstrual products plays a vital role in enabling girls and young women to participate fully in school, sport and community life. Opportunities for women should not be determined by whether they can afford or access sanitary products. One clear message was reiterated throughout the handover: menstruation should not become a hindrance to participation or potential.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, spoke to the importance of participation in sport, recognising and responding to the practical barriers that young people face.
“If we want more girls to stay in sport, we must make sure that they have the support to do so. Sport has the power to give young people a sense of belonging, but those opportunities only matter if we can recognise and remove the very real barriers that can keep girls on the sidelines,” said Minister Mackenzie.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, highlighted the impact that lack of access to menstrual products has on young women.
“For many vulnerable girls, menstruation is a harrowing experience because they do not have access to sanitary products. This means that they may not attend school during their periods or participate in sporting activities. Through this partnership, we are removing barriers to access for girls so that they can confidently take up opportunities and thrive,” said Minister Kaizer-Philander.
The Western Cape Government expressed its appreciation to SADIP and to the Cape Care Fund for their contribution to the initiative, recognising the importance of partnerships.
Speaking on the importance of partnerships and sustainable support for menstruation, Peter Buchanan of SADIP said: “As our future leaders and sporting heroes, our young women deserve our support to achieve their deserved inclusion without barriers impeding their growth and development. Our private/public partnership aims to assist with the shortfalls experienced with dignity products. It is our civic duty as business to assist in developing a sustainable model to end period poverty.”
In concluding Women’s Month, the Western Cape Government, together with its partners, is proud to support environments in which young women and girls in sport are empowered to participate, develop, and to pursue opportunities with dignity and confidence.
Enquiries:
Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Simone Carter
Media Liaison Officer
Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Cell: 066 289 9174
E-mail: Simone.Carter@westerncape.gov.za
Department of Social Development
Esther Lewis
Head of Communications
Cell: 072 647 2351
E-mail: Esther.Lewis@westerncape.gov.za
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