By Karabo Matalajoe
In many communities, a lack of access to sanitary towels forces young girls to miss school every month. This issue can no longer be ignored for Jameela Queen, a beauty business rooted in personal care.
The founder, Vuyolwethu Maweni, was first inspired to take action during her undergraduate years. While volunteering at a local primary school, she learned a heartbreaking truth: “A few kids don’t attend school when they are menstruating because many of them don’t have the finances for pads,” she recalls. “The business values personal hygiene, so it only made sense to take up the matter.”
That moment of awareness led to action. In August 2024, Maweni made her first donation of approximately 850 sanitary pads to CM Vellem Primary School. This contribution came from a thoughtful blend of business funds and client support.
“What I did was use a percentage of each client’s set as a contribution towards the drive,” she explains. “Then I also used business funds.”
The school responded with deep appreciation, “CM Vellem has shown immense gratitude,” she says. “The deputy principal expressed that the donation was so big that for a couple of months, they’d have some sort of financial relief, especially since it’s the teachers who were buying the pads and not external stakeholders.”
This is more than a once-off donation. It’s about addressing systemic issues. The impact of a girl child’s education and academic results has a long-term influence on them, particularly when struggles are related to menstrual concerns. Maweni highlighted the root of the problem as “The financial burden upon the parents is a key factor. Secondly, many of these schools are government-funded, and period care isn’t a top priority despite so many other needs.”
Although there have not been any other partnerships with the initiative, much interest is growing around it. “Local organisations have reached out this year asking to be considered in this year’s pad drive.”
The initiative operates from the business and hasn’t been without its challenges. With support and donations, Jameela Queen believes the drive could grow significantly. “With financial assistance, we could tackle other personal hygiene issues. Or at the very least, create a bigger impact by reaching more schools and organisations in need.”
Maweni calls on the public to donate and help ensure that no girl is held back from a quality education because of a lack of access to menstrual products. “What’s most needed are pads, but financial donations are also accepted. Individuals who share knowledge about menstruation or basic hygiene, particularly for young girls, are very important. It would be nice to have those individuals pass down that knowledge at the various schools.”
The core message of the initiative is to encourage girls that “Period poverty shouldn’t define you. Yes, it’s a prominent issue, but it should not stop you from wanting more for yourself. If it forces you to take time off from school, make sure the comeback is even better. Ensure that you’re putting in the effort to build a better future for yourself, so the cycle of period poverty eventually comes to an end.”
