Dignity in Every Pad: Katlego Leping Leads the Fight Against Period Poverty in the Phumlamgashi Community.
Thabo Motlhabi
Miss Influence South Africa Finalists 2026 inspires hope, confidence, and change in the Phumlamangashi community.
The Phumlamgashi township of West Rand came together on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, as Miss Influence South Africa Finalist 2026, Katlego Leping, alongside friends and community members, hosted a successful sanitary pad drive held at Phumlamgashi Gravel Ground.
A simple but powerful message drove the initiative: No girl or woman should have to choose between her education and her periods, by distributing sanitary pads and providing menstrual health education. The campaign aimed to restore dignity, promote good hygiene, and help eliminate period poverty within the community.
Many young girls bunk school because they cannot afford sanitary products. Through this initiative, learners are encouraged to seek support from their educators, as many schools provide sanitary towels to assist vulnerable learners and help them to stay in school with confidence.
Speaking during the distribution, Leping shared an inspiring message:
To every young girl and woman reading this, your body is not a problem, and your periods are not a curse. It’s a sign of life, strength, and womanhood. Never let lack, shame, or silence hold you back. You deserve education, opportunity, and respect every single day of the month. Take care of your health, speak up for your needs, and walk head high. We see you, support you, and believe in the future you are building. One day at a time, one pad at a time. You are unstoppable.”
The campaign also served as an educational platform, encouraging open conversations about menstruation, menstrual hygiene, and the importance of supporting girls during their monthly cycles. Parents and guardians were encouraged to create safe spaces where young girls can talk freely about their health without fear or embarrassment.
Community member Xolani Ladodana highlighted the importance of tackling period poverty, saying:
Period poverty keeps girls at home from school. Distributing sanitary towels is not just charity; it’s removing a barrier. No shame, no awkwardness needed; it’s basic dignity.”
Beneficiaries received sanitary towels and practical guidance on menstrual hygiene and the correct use of sanitary products.
This initiative is a reminder that small acts of kindness can create lasting change. Working together can ensure that every girl stays in school, every woman maintains her dignity, and no one is left due to period poverty.