Hallelujah, we did it! The packs of reusable pads distributed on the Komani2Komani road trip transformed the lives of ten thousand blossoming women.
Roadmap to Period Positivity
“Not all those who wander are lost.” Tolkien
Our wanderlust began four years ago as a daydream of travelling to the places where period poverty hits the hardest. Taking our environmentally friendly Komani pads to impoverished areas straightens the women’s menstrual crowns and restores dignity.
The Road Less Travelled
Now, in a remarkable display of impactful collaboration and social responsibility, we completed the week-long journey from Komani (HQ) to Komani (formerly Queenstown), delivering 10,000 reusable sanitary pad packs to schoolgirls in need. This epic road trip connected 15 schools across some of South Africa’s most resource-challenged communities, bringing not just practical support but also self-esteem and hope to young learners.
The journey began in Worcester at Alfred Stamper Public Primary School and wound its way through the scenic routes of the Western and Eastern Cape, concluding in Komani at St. Teresa Primary School. Each stop along the way revealed both the pressing needs of our young women and the incredible resilience of our educators and learners.
Our thanks to the principals, staff, and students at these winning schools:
- Alfred Stamper Public Primary School (Worcester)
- De Villiers Laerskool (Robertson)
- Vrt Pitt Primary School (Swellendam)
- T.M. Ndanda Primary School (Mossel Bay)
- George Sekonder Skool (George)
- Sedgefield Primere Skool (Sedgefield)
- Knysna Sekonder Skool Koshuis (Knysna)
- Papenkuil Primary School (Gqeberha)
- Little Flower Primary School (Kariega)
- Addo Primary School (Addo)
- Seven Fountain Village School (Seven Fountains Farm)
- Good Shepherds School (Grahamstown)
- Ntselamanzi Primary School (Alice)
- Crab Bush Primary School (Hogsback)
- St. Teresa Primary School (Komani)
Komani’s Rolling Revolution
“These reusable pads mean I won’t miss school anymore during my period,” shared a Grade 7 scholar. “Now I can focus on my dreams of getting my matric without worrying about monthly interruptions to my education.”
The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the immediate practical benefits. One principal noted, “We’ve seen too many of our bright young girls miss up to five days of school monthly due to period poverty. This initiative is truly a game-changer for our learners’ academic journey.”
The route through the Eastern Cape revealed particularly touching moments. At one of the poorest schools, teachers shared how learners often relied on makeshift solutions during their periods. “Komani’s donation brings dignity to our girls,” she explained. “The reusable nature of these pads means sustainable support for years to come.”
In one area, the #K2K team was humbled by the challenging terrain many learners navigate daily to reach school. “When you add period management to these physical obstacles, it becomes overwhelming for our girls,” shared the school’s principal. “The Komani packs represent one less burden for them to carry.”
The initiative’s environmental consciousness also resonated strongly with educators and learners alike. Many students initiated discussions about sustainability and environmental responsibility, inspired by our washable sanitary pads.
The #Komani2Komani journey highlighted several crucial aspects of period poverty in South Africa – and around the world:
- The direct link between period poverty and school attendance
- The environmental impact of disposable sanitary products
- The health risks associated with little to no access to menstrual products
- The role of sustainable solutions in creating lasting change
- The importance of dignity in educational access.
Gratitude for our Change-making HERoes
Thus, we at Komani extend our heartfelt thanks to the tremendous support and generosity of our partners:
- The Constable Trust – UK
- Macsteel Cape Town and Gqeberha
- Grandslots
- DGMT
- Benevity UK
- Bones SA
- FLO SPS
- TyreZone
- HellermannTyton
- Individual and anonymous donors
The success of this epic journey is as much yours as it is Komani’s. Thank you.
This initiative proves that when people join forces with hands-on solutions, we can create meaningful change in young lives. The #Komani2Komani journey may have ended, but its impact will continue to empower thousands of young ladies for years to come.
As one Grade 6 learner beautifully summed up: “Today, I learned that my period shouldn’t stop my progress. Thank you for helping us stay in school and chase our dreams.”
Travelling Back to the Future
As noted in an ancient manuscript, the Book of Felicity, “The end of a journey means the start of another one”.
Having travelled back to cape Town, the passionate individuals at Komani are not resting on our laurels. Rather, we are using the momentum gained leading up to and during #K2K to look to the future. Too many more schoolgirls out there are suffering unnecessarily. Our quest to move from #PeriodPoverty to #Period Positivity means that we are already planning our next audacious goal! Keep your eyes open for updates on our website and social media pages.
Be a monthly HERo and DONATE NOW to straighten her menstrual crown for a #PeriodPositiveWorld!