Deputy Minister Mkhize receives R2.5 million consignment of hygiene products from Proctor & Gamble SA to be distributed across the country
Government continues to strengthen relations with the private sector as it looks to alleviate the risks that women and girls experience during the COVID-19 lockdown. Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize on Friday, received sanitary and hygiene products from Procter & Gamble South Africa to the tune of over R2.5 million The donation consists of over 22 192 sanitary towels, 7926 nappies, and washing powder packs.
Procter & Gamble SA Vice President Vilo Trska officially handed over the consignment to the Department, and further revealed that P&G SA has increased its production capacity, enabling it to provide more accessible hygiene products to the country, and in the process creating jobs, despite the pandemic hovering the world. “I am happy that we stand here today handing over more than 12 000 consumer packs which will be distributed through the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, to the most vulnerable.”
Trska also added that the donation was part of a bigger contribution, highlighting an aid of worth over R10 million to government entities, and almost R2 million to the solidarity fund.
A list of beneficiary organisations assisting women and girls in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KZN have already been identified to receive the donated products.
Deputy Minister Mkhize appreciated the partnership by P&G SA, and said that it is during this unprecedented humanitarian crisis that now more than ever before that “we must forge partnerships between government and civil society to assist those most at risk around us. The frail, elderly, and children with disabilities remain at the periphery of society and are most at risk during these times, as many rely on the kindness of care centres, and kindness of others to take care of their basic needs”.
Sanitary products remain essential goods, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when supply lines for these products have been affected. The Department maintains that girls and women should be able to manage their menstrual cycle with dignity, and that periods do not stop during pandemics. This handover is particularly significant as it took place one day after International Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May 2020) which aims to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene management.
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