By Yumna Bodiat
Edited by Imaan Moosa
Featuring the I AM FOR HER FOUNDATION and their work in introducing SaniVend® Pad Vending Machines.
The I AM FOR HER FOUNDATION (IAFHF) was founded in 2018 with formal registration in July 2019.
The idea was formed in response to the Department of Women and Children publishing its Sanitary Dignity Framework which aimed to provide and distribute free sanitary towels to an estimated 2.1 million indigent girls who lack access, in an inclusive and dignified manner.
Inadequate menstrual hygiene management is a major problem for girls in resource-poor communities worldwide, adversely affecting their health, psychological and social development.
Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) population estimate for 2018 approximates that the country has 5.1 million adolescent girls. When considered in line with the Stats SA estimate that 49% of the population lives below the poverty line, it is further estimated that more than 2.1 million adolescent girls do not have access to adequate menstrual health and hygiene support.
This further impacts their access to schooling as many are not able to attend school when they are menstruating due to a lack of menstrual health and hygiene essentials like sanitary pads. Larger funding is needed as this budget provided by the national government covers approximately 65 000 indigent girls for a year supply of sanitary towels.
The need for the SaniVend® Pad Vending Machine was identified by the IAFH with they assessed the unintended consequences of the free issuing of sanitary towels, where this free issuance gave rise to opportunities for misuse of distribution of sanitary towels. For example, charging people for sanitary towels or requesting sexual favors from them.
These SaniVend® Pad Vending Machines ensure girls receive sanitary towels in a dignified manner and that the pads are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way to reduce the burden on school administrations. The IAFHF has developed technology that allows for the most efficient and effective distribution and disposal of free sanitary towels.
The SaniVend® Vending Machines aims to enable:
A user-friendly vending machine issuing sanitary towels in a dignified manner using a Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) Card.
The ability to control and issue sanitary towels to the intended beneficiaries with no ad hoc administrative duties to a nominated responsible person at an institution or organization.
A reporting system that will identify the usage of the machines by beneficiaries.
A tracking system alerting the nominated responsible person of low or no stock in the machine.
A slimline and easy to install the machine.
Depending on the model type of the SaniVend®, an additional benefit of having a charged battery for a limited period in event of power failure.
Full value-chain and auditable reports.
The pilot projects are currently the only locations where the machines (both SaniVend® and SaniBurn®) are installed: Groenberg High School, Grabouw, Meadowridge Primary School, and Lentegeur Mitchells Plain. The idea is for the foundation to raise funding via campaigns, donors, or sponsorships to resource these institutions with the machines.
Photos: @iamforherfoundation
The machine is advised to be installed in girls' bathrooms, providing a discreet and convenient service. An electrical power point is required. On the current model, two holes are required for mounting the machine. The Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) card is similar to an ATM card used to TAP the machine at the required area for the automatic dispensing of the sanitary towel - similar to drawing cash or buying cigarettes from a vending machine.
These SaniVend® machines will provide relief by:
Providing access to those who did not have access to sanitary towels before.
Allowing the girls to receive sanitary towels in a dignified manner.
Alleviating financial pressure of purchasing monthly sanitary products.
Alleviating period poverty.
Ensuring that girls are able to attend school without missing school days due to menstruation.
CLICK HERE FOR THE I AM FOR HER FOUNDATIONS
About Chairperson Nicky Cupido:
I am originally from Heathfield, Cape Town and I am 41-years-old. I have approximately 21 years of financial experience at one of the big five banking institutions. I resigned in November 2018 and am currently performing in the capacity of chairperson for the foundation, but I am not limited to other functions.
The more people I chat to and the more research I do, I realize that what we are doing is for a much-needed cause. Who would’ve thought that a mother/father would need to choose between a need and a need? The need to provide your family with food or the need to provide your child or wife with dignity by purchasing sanitary towels.
When faced with the appreciation from the girls in the pilot sites where they cannot believe that there is somebody looking out for them, somebody that they do not know who cares for them, how does one comprehend that what I had taken for granted as a teenager is almost out of reach for other girls.
What inspires me about this is that we are creating opportunities for these girls to really be present in school, to be accepted in social activities without feeling bullied, discriminated against, or victimized by people who can afford this basic need. Inevitably, it will perform a cycle where a girl student attends school (at the very least a matric pass) and can also attend university or work and thereby, contribute to their community, the economy and decrease the unemployment rate.
I am hoping that it will create a 'pay it forward' concept for the girls who are able to assist their own communities with an initiative like this or another which uplifts them. I see a bunch of people, no matter age or gender, really interested in positively contributing to society.
I also can really see other opportunities to not only uplift girls. This is only the start. I want to contribute to other organizations, create work opportunities for other societies, and educate everybody else who was as blind as me to see that there is a real need to help our communities.
Be sure to check out the I AM FOR HER FOUNDATION on Instagram: @iamforherfoundation
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