Young girls across the West Coast communities continue to benefit from a sustained effort to address period poverty and support equal access to education.  The programme now makes more than 20 000 sanitary pads available each quarter through sanitary pad vending machines, helping ensure learners can remain in class during their menstrual cycles.

Now in its fourth year, the Sanitary Pad Vending Machine Programme, implemented by Umoya Energy Wind Farm in partnership with the Menstruation Foundation, continues to make a meaningful difference. Since its launch in 2023, the programme has focused on providing consistent, dignified access to sanitary products through installed vending machines at selected schools and community facilities, currently supporting approximately 1,400 girls each month.

At the centre of the initiative are compact, non-electric vending machines, placed in bathrooms and sick bays to allow girls to access sanitary products privately and with dignity. This structured approach ensures reliable, ongoing access — distinguishing the programme from once-off donation drives. The sanitary pads are locally manufactured and compostable, supporting both community development and environmental responsibility.

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“Our objective is to support initiatives that respond to real community needs while contributing to long-term impact,” said Shariefa Rhode, Social Performance Manager. “In partnership with the Menstruation Foundation, we have been able to help address period poverty and remove a barrier to education and ensuring that young girls can attend school with dignity.”

Alongside product access, learners at participating schools continue to receive educational sessions on menstrual health and hygiene, helping to reduce stigma and build confidence.

In addition to the core vending machine programme, excess stock has been distributed to local organisations, extending support to young girls beyond the installed sites.

At SAPS Moorreesburg, sanitary products have been made available in the victim-friendly room, ensuring those accessing support services are assisted with dignity. Sanitary packs were also provided to older girls participating in the Active Youth: Challenge Series, an initiative of Saldanha Bay Municipality focused on building confidence, discipline and resilience among young people.

Additional beneficiaries of these distributions include Siyabonga Care near Vredenburg, which supports vulnerable children and persons with disabilities, Weskus School of Skills, Huis van Heerde in Moorreesburg, and Aalwyn Place of Safety, which provides support to victims of abuse and their families.