Colloquium on the provision of free menstrual hygiene products for girls and women; with Deputy Minister

Video The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education (National Assembly) convened a colloquium to address the provision of free menstrual hygiene products for girls and women across South Africa. The meeting aimed to review progress, discuss legislative and policy reforms, and develop strategies to eradicate period poverty, ensuring equitable access to menstrual products and dignity for all gender groups. The session involved various stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), Higher Health, the I_Menstruate Foundation, the Team Free Sanitary Pads (TFSP), and community organisations like the She Powher Foundation. The meeting highlighted the persistent challenge of limited access to sanitary products, which forces many women and schoolgirls to choose between their dignity and attending educational institutions. Even where programs exist, issues such as inconsistent supply, inadequate infrastructure like lockable toilets, and insufficient sanitation facilities continue to hinder progress. Funding constraints and inefficient procurement systems were identified as significant barriers, leading to inflated costs and wastage of resources. A key point was the need to standardise policies across institutions, establish sustainable funding models—potentially through public-private partnerships—and implement dignity-centred practices to ensure safe, private, and stigma-free access to menstrual hygiene products. Legislative reforms were discussed, including the proposed Menstrual Health Rights Act aimed at creating enforceable laws to secure universal access, regulate ingredients, and promote safety, disclosure, and testing of products. Emphasis was placed on integrating menstrual health education into school curricula and engaging boys as allies to reduce stigma. Furthermore, the importance of environmental sustainability in waste management and workplace protections, such as menstrual leave, was recognised as a vital component of a comprehensive approach. The meeting underscored that addressing period poverty requires coordinated efforts from government departments, civil society, and communities, emphasising that menstrual health is a national development priority. The Committee aims to strengthen policies, improve funding and infrastructure, uphold human rights, and ensure all individuals can menstruate with dignity and equal opportunities for education and participation in society.