MOSSEL BAY NEWS - About 49% of South African females who menstruate live under the poverty line, which forces them to choose between buying bread or sanitary wear.
This shocking statistic was shared by Tanya Roux, founder and CEO of Gen XX, a South African organisation which among others, promotes the use of a menstrual cup, which at a once-off cost, has a lifespan of five years.
Roux, a triathlete who competed in the Iron Woman competition, explained at an event for women last week, 10 December, that her struggles with her monthly period led her to start experimenting with the menstrual cup as a replacement for tampons.
"I have been using the cup for 12 years now and spent R700 on my period needs, where many women over the same time may have spent R10 000 to R12 000. This could be used for other things, plus using the cup has proven health benefits."
PHOTO GALLERY: Gen XX menstrual cup launch
She alluded to research on the use of tampons, containing BPA, which has been reported to cause a variety of cancers and birth defects.
"BPA mimics oestrogen in a women's body and therefore, your body is under attack without you even knowing it."
The Gen XX menstrual cup, Roux explained, can be worn for up to 12 hours. It is made of 100% medical grade silicone, used in breast implants. Once the cup has reached its end of use after five years, it can be discarded as normal waste.
Roux decided to promote the cup, considering the financial implications and the effect of female learners in underprivileged areas missing up to 60 days of school due to "period poverty", as they cannot afford sanitary ware.
As part of Gen XX's educational programme on the use of the cup, it also empowers girls regarding "dignified experiences".
"We feel strongly about human trafficking, which is often a result of bad friendships, so we educate on dignified friendships. The same pertains to gender-based violence. What do dignified experiences look like in the home environment? It means that my family should challenge me in a positive way and respect my boundaries."
Roux mentioned that in the Western Cape alone, about R30 million was used last year to unclog drainage systems.
"The main culprits were tampons, used rags and used condoms. By using the cup, the first two can be eliminated."
Actions via partnerships with the Education Department include sponsorship to schools, where girls are educated on the use of the cup.
"We go into schools to educate and then return two weeks later to close the loop. This helps us to ensure that the cup is used correctly and there is also an understanding of what dignified experiences for women should look like - on all levels."
Gen XX is the proud sponsor of the Western Caoe Tornados Provincial Netball Team.
During the launch, supported by the Mossel Bay Municipality, Roux urged those present to support opportunities in the greater Mossel Bay area, where menstrual cups can be sponsored and distributed to members of underprivileged communities.
Local municipal councillors at the launch (from left) Councillor Jeanette Gouws, Alderlady Venolea Fortuin and Councillor Erika Meyer. Photo: Cornelle Carstens
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