As the world marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day today, 28 May, SPAR has launched a nationwide menstrual health initiative aimed at helping end period poverty in South Africa by 2030.
The campaign focuses on increasing access to menstrual hygiene products for young girls while also creating greater awareness around menstrual health and dignity. At the heart of the initiative is the belief that no young girl should miss school, feel ashamed, or lose opportunities because of a natural biological process.
Using community radio to break stigma
To drive meaningful conversations at grassroots level, SPAR partnered with community radio stations across South Africa to encourage open discussions around menstrual health and period poverty.
Through on-air interviews, listener engagements, and discussions in local languages, the campaign created accessible and culturally relevant platforms for communities to engage with issues that are often stigmatised or overlooked.
The initiative aimed to normalise conversations around menstruation while helping communities better understand the impact period poverty has on education, confidence, and dignity for young girls.
Supporting schools and community organisations
Beyond awareness, the campaign also focused on practical support for communities in need.
Listeners were encouraged to nominate schools, children’s homes, and community organisations supporting vulnerable young girls. Selected beneficiaries will receive supplies of SPAR Petals sanitary pads to help ensure consistent access to menstrual hygiene products.
The initiative seeks to reduce school absenteeism linked to period poverty while empowering young girls to participate fully in their education and daily lives.
SPAR targets long-term impact
According to SPAR, the campaign forms part of the retailer’s broader social impact strategy focused on nutrition, education, and women’s empowerment.
“Period poverty is not only a health issue, but also an education and dignity issue. Many young girls are forced to miss school or participate less fully in their communities because they lack access to basic menstrual hygiene products. Through this initiative, we are working to change that reality in a practical and meaningful way,” said Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager.
SPAR added that achieving its goal of ending period poverty by 2030 will require collaboration between the public and private sectors, alongside continued engagement with communities to ensure solutions remain sustainable and accessible.
Building a movement beyond awareness
By combining the reach of community radio with direct product support, SPAR hopes to create long-term impact beyond a once-off awareness campaign.
The retailer says the initiative forms part of a broader movement to normalise menstrual health conversations while ensuring young girls across South Africa have reliable access to essential hygiene products.
For more information about the campaign and ways to contribute, visit their website.
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