End Period Poverty : Free Pads For All Women and Girls

Petition is addressed to
Parliament of South Africa

30 Signatures

6 %
500 for collection target

30 Signatures

6 %
500 for collection target
  1. Launched 01/06/2026
  2. Time remaining > 5 months
  3. Submission
  4. Dialog with recipient
  5. Decision
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Petition addressed to: Parliament of South Africa

Access to sanitary pads is a basic necessity that supports health, dignity, and equal opportunities. However, many women and girls are unable to afford menstrual products, which can affect their education, work, and daily lives. Providing free sanitary pads would help reduce period poverty and ensure that no one is disadvantaged because of a natural biological process. We call on the relevant authorities to make sanitary pads freely available to women and girls in need. Sign this petition to support menstrual health, dignity, and equality for all.

What We Want to Achieve:
This petition aims to make free sanitary pads accessible to women and girls, particularly in schools, universities, public healthcare facilities, and community centres. Our goal is to ensure that no one is prevented from learning, working, or participating in daily activities because they cannot afford menstrual products.

How It Can Be Achieved and Implemented:
This can be achieved through partnerships between government departments, schools, healthcare facilities, non-profit organisations, and private companies. Funding can be allocated through public health and education programmes, while sanitary pads can be distributed through schools, clinics, universities, and community centres. By working together, these stakeholders can create a sustainable system that provides reliable access to menstrual products for those who need them most.

Together, we can help create a future where every woman and girl can manage her period with dignity, confidence, and the support she deserves. 

Reason

Menstruation affects millions of women and girls every month, yet access to menstrual products remains a challenge for many. This petition aims to raise awareness of period poverty and encourage action from leaders, schools, workplaces, and communities. By signing, you are supporting a future where menstrual health is taken seriously and where women and girls can participate fully in society without unnecessary barriers.

This issue is important to me because I believe that no woman or girl should have to struggle to meet a basic health need or miss opportunities because she cannot afford sanitary pads. It is also important to many others who have experienced the challenges of period poverty or have seen its impact on family members, friends, classmates, and communities.

Action must be taken because period poverty continues to affect education, wellbeing, confidence, and equal participation in society. Without proper support, many women and girls will continue to face unnecessary difficulties that can be prevented. Providing access to free sanitary pads is a practical and achievable solution that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

By supporting this petition, you are helping to promote menstrual health, raise awareness, and encourage positive change that benefits current and future generations. 

Thank you so much for your support, Lebohang Pearl Wolf, Vanderbijlpark
Question to the initiator

Petition details

Petition started: 06/01/2026
Collection ends: 11/30/2026
Region: South Africa
Topic: Health

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Why people sign

Because some girls cannot afford pads and I believe pads should be free so every girl can go through their time without having to worry about buying sanitary pads

Cause women’s hygiene matters

I feel like Menstrual pads are not a luxury. They are a health necessity, an education tool, and a dignity issue. Ensuring access means no girl or woman is held back by her period.

It's because it's for good cause, it will bring help to those who can't support themselves

Alot of women and young ladies aren't able to life a full life because of the lack of pads.Pads should be free because we don't choose to bleed.

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