MIDDELBURG – In commemoration of Menstrual Health Day on 28 May 2025, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, in partnership with the Caring Friends Campaign, hosted a heartfelt event aimed at empowering young girls and raising awareness about menstrual hygiene.
The event, held in Middelburg, brought together learners from several local schools including KhulaNolwazi Primary School, Sofunda Primary School, LD Moetanalo Secondary School, Saint Peter Christian College, Phumelela Secondary School, and Mkhulu Combined School.
The programme served as a platform to break the silence around menstruation and advocate for menstrual dignity. Municipal officials, along with representatives from the Department of Health, delivered motivational messages encouraging learners to embrace their health, confidence, and self-worth.
Khanyisile Mlangeni, Assistant Director for Youth at the municipality, highlighted the importance of menstrual health in the holistic development of young girls.
“As the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, one of our key pillars is physical and mental health, and menstrual education is essential in achieving this. Menstrual health is a fundamental human right. Supporting menstrual health programmes is crucial because they improve girls’ and women’s health, well-being, and educational opportunities,” said Mlangeni.
She emphasised that the initiative forms part of the municipality’s broader agenda on health and gender empowerment.
“This initiative plays a fundamental role in enabling women, girls, and other menstruators to reach their full potential,” she said.
Mlangeni also announced that the campaign will be an ongoing programme:
“We have made this initiative a permanent programme aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, dignity, and access for young girls in our community,” she added.
Each learner received a dignity pack containing sanitary towels and a certificate of attendance, reinforcing the message that menstrual health matters and no girl should feel ashamed or left behind due to her natural cycle.
The initiative was hailed as a progressive step in tackling period poverty, reducing stigma, and nurturing a healthier, more empowered generation of young women in the Steve Tshwete area.
