On the 18 & 19 May 2016, Imerys South Africa undertook phase 2 of Project Dignity in partnership with national NGO The Peace Agency. In the wake of the success of a campaign aimed at combating female school absenteeism and dropout in 3 Limpopo schools last year, Imerys and The Peace Agency once again provided packs of washable, reusable sanitary pads to girls in need. This initiative will enable girls from the remaining 5 schools around their Annesley mine, to complete their education with dignity.
“More than 60% of girls in our country stay away from school for up to a week every month during their periods. Over the course of a girl’s five year high school career she could miss over a year-and-a-half of school. This has devastating long-term consequences and affects the girls’ capacity to successfully complete their education. It is a problem easily solved by providing quality sanitary products,” says Xolisa Mvinjelwa, Imerys’ Executive Director – Ethics & Transformation.
Imerys is working closely with all stakeholders in the communities living around its flagship Annesley andalusite mine, located in the Greater Tubatse Municipality, Limpopo, to find sustainable solutions to real local challenges. The issue of school girls being unable to afford sanitary products was identified by the communities as a pressing need. Project Dignity is part of a series of sustainable development projects being undertaken by Imerys in partnership with local community stakeholders.
Segashife-Mankele School.
“Sanitary products are expensive and many girls simply cannot afford them. We are adopting a fantastic alternative; locally produced Subz pad-and-pantie sets. They are fully patented and SABS approved. A pack consisting of three reusable pads and three pairs of underwear costs just R150, and has a three-year lifespan. Phase 1 of Project Dignity was a huge success and the Principals of the remaining schools around our Annesley mine have requested that we visit their schools. Project Dignity will also help improve the girl’s self-esteem,” says Fuzi Maseko, Mine Manager – Imerys’ Annesley andalusite mine.
Phase 2 of Project Dignity was undertaken by Imerys and The Peace Agency over the two days (18 & 19 May) 2016 with pad-and-pantie packs distributed to the following schools:
1. Segashife-Mankele
2. Leagathoko-Maretlhaneng
3. Mogolahlogo-Kgopaneng
4. Ntibaneng-Sekopung
5. Madiki
If you would like to join Imerys and sponsor one of the many girls in our area who require a pack, or if you would like more information about Project Dignity, please contact The Peace Agency on justin@peaceagency.org.za.
Leagathoko-Maretlhaneng School.