South African Government celebrates Hygiene Day
Periods don’t stop for pandemics and neither does the South African government nor the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). On 6 May 2020 the SABS passed the first reusable sanitary standard: The manufacturer of Washable, Reusable Sanitary Towels” South African National Standard (SANS) 1812). This collaboration between the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Department of Trade, Industry and Completions, Department of Small Business Development and SABS was undertaken to ensure product safety. The publication of this standard is one of the first standards for washable sanitary pads in Southern Africa and is leading the way for other African countries to follow.
This step allows women and girls another safe option to manage their menstruation. Thus far, before SANS 18123, the only sanitary product that had an SABS standard is the sanitary towels (SANS 1043: 2010) standard. That is why DWYPD encourages product manufacturers, like those of tampons and menstrual cups, to approach SABS in order to develop minimum standards so that the users of such products can be protected from proliferation of illicit sanitary products that might harm women and girls. The department is particularly pleased to share this exciting development with the country on International Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May 2020). This is the context of government policy on informed product choice, in line with the sanitary dignity framework that was approved by Cabinet in September 2019.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) offered support and guidance through the standards process because the position has always been one of pro-choice, with the proviso that there is no compromise on product safety. Women and girls need safe choices for ways to manage their menstruation. Support offered by the department demonstrates the commitment the South African government has in meeting the diverse menstrual health needs of women and girls in South Africa through the department’s Sanitary Dignity Implementation Framework. However, many women and girls in South Africa face significant challenges when it comes to managing their menstrual cycle and often struggle, due to lack of access to affordable sanitary products.
Recognising that the Corona Virus has brought about a disruption in sanitary dignity programmes delivered by most departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) the need to address menstrual health in society has become more important than ever. The closure of schools due to the Lockdown has further made it impossible to roll out sanitary towels to learners in quintiles 1- 3 schools. That is why DWYPD engaged on efforts through partnerships to mitigate this period by reaching out to women and girls in communities through various non-governmental organisations and the Department of Social Development (DSD). Partnerships have been forged with UNFPA, Footprints Foundation, WaterAid and Nobuhle Youth Foundation wherein those organisations donated sanitary towels, PPE materials, hygienic soap, food parcels and social distance stickers which were handed over to the DSD on 11 May 2020 for distribution to intended beneficiaries in Gauteng Province. The next phases will be distribution to other provinces.
The launch of the South African Coalition for Menstrual Health and Management (SACMHM) on 10- 11 April 2020 will also add an impetus to the aspects of collaboration and dealing with MHM in a collective manner as South African society, from the side of government, NGOs and civil society.
Lastly, as schools reopen in June 2020, DWYPD has made an agreement with Provinces through the sanitary dignity national task team that an aggressive roll out programme must ensue because level -3 Lockdown gives an opportunity for the sanitary dignity roll programme to resume at public schools as per normal.
For interviews contact Ms Mmabatho Ramompi on 076 480 3513 / mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za or Mr Pelane Mabula-Phakgadi on 072 169 2507 or Pelane.Mabula@women.gov.za
For further information contact Mr Shalen Gajadhar on 060 979 4235 / shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za
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