Engen and the Imbumba Foundation visited Bakwena Secondary School recently as part of the Caring4Girls campaign. Over 300 learners received female hygiene hampers as part of the campaign which aims to help keep learners at school during their monthly cycle.

Caring4Girls is an Imbumba Foundation initiative that aims to provide two million girls with sanitary towels by the end of 2020.

During November 2020 sanitary pads will be distributed to over 5 270 female learners at 12 schools located close to Engen storage facilities in North West, Mpumalangat and Free State.

According to the Imbumba Foundation, research has shown that underprivileged girls miss up to 50 days of school per year due to inaccessible feminine hygiene care.

Imbumba Foundation CEO, Richard Mabaso says the Caring4Girls programme creates a voice for girls in addition to distributing sanitary materials. “Caring4Girls also provides health education on puberty and adolescence, to demystify menstrual related myths and break down societal taboos, whilst promoting positive body literacy and autonomy, as well as gender equality.”

Engen has pledged another R1 million to the initiative. The programme focuses on education and training on puberty and menstrual hygiene management, and includes the safe and environmentally responsible handling, usage and disposal of sanitary towels.