September invites us to reflect. As we mark both Heritage Day and International Daughters Day, we are reminded of two things: the deep importance of where we come from, and the equally important task of shaping where we are going, especially for the daughters we raise and mentor.

At Dads for Pads, we believe this moment is an opportunity. It is a chance to ask how our cultural values, our roles as fathers, and our willingness to talk about topics like menstruation can come together to build a future where no girl feels shame about her body, or silence about her needs.

Because raising a daughter who is strong and self-assured means confronting what tradition sometimes asks us to ignore.

Culture is not the enemy. But it must evolve.

South Africa’s heritage is rich, layered, and diverse. From isiZulu to isiXhosa, from Sesotho to Afrikaans, our communities carry powerful customs and rites that define identity. But some of those same traditions have unintentionally kept menstruation shrouded in secrecy, shame, or taboo.

When a girl’s first period is met with silence, secrecy, or confusion, often reinforced by cultural norms, she internalises the message that her body is something to be hidden. That she must manage pain privately. That her experiences are not to be acknowledged, let alone celebrated.

As fathers, we must ask: what parts of our culture are helping our daughters, and what parts are holding them back?

Too often, periods are dismissed as “a woman’s matter”. But this way of thinking is outdated and harmful. Menstruation is not just a health issue. It is tied to dignity, education, confidence, and opportunity.

When a girl lacks access to sanitary pads, she may miss school. When her questions are met with discomfort, she learns to stay silent. When no male figure is willing to discuss her body with respect, she may never expect that respect from men at all.

Fathers, whether biological or chosen, play a vital role in disrupting this cycle. You do not need to be an expert in biology. You simply need to be present, informed and unafraid.

This month, we celebrate our girls. Their dreams. Their courage. Their power. But that celebration must be matched with responsibility.

Your daughter is watching how you speak about women.
She is watching how you respond when someone says, “that time of the month”.
She is watching whether you pick up pads at the store without hesitation.
She is watching whether you step into the conversation or walk away from it.

Fatherhood is not about perfection. It is about presence. A daughter with an emotionally available and supportive father is more likely to grow into a woman who values herself, knows her rights, and expects respect.

As we gather with family, dress in cultural attire, and reflect on our histories this Heritage Day, we invite fathers to start a new tradition.

Speak about menstruation as a normal part of life.

Ask your elders how periods were handled in their time and challenge the norms that no longer serve us.
Use your platform, whether that is at home, at church, or at a community meeting, to advocate for menstrual dignity.

You do not have to discard your culture to create progress. True heritage evolves. And real leadership means protecting your child’s dignity while honouring your family’s values.

Here are a few ways you can begin taking action in your role as a father, uncle, coach or mentor:
• Initiate a conversation with your daughter or niece about periods, even before she experiences her first one
• Encourage openness at home and make it normal to talk about period products and menstrual pain
• Learn about the impact of period poverty in your community and find ways to contribute, such as pad drives, donations, or advocacy
• Speak to other men, including your peers, your brothers, and your sons, about supporting girls and normalising menstruation
• Challenge outdated practices in your cultural or religious community that isolate or stigmatise girls during their period

Culture is a gift, but so is the chance to reshape it.

This September, let us build a legacy not just of tradition, but of transformation. Let us be the generation of men who raised daughters without shame. Daughters who understand that their bodies are not burdens. Daughters who know that their fathers stood beside them in every cycle of life.

Because what we pass down matters.
And it starts here.

Today, on Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women of South Africa, their resilience, brilliance and power. But we also want to shine a light on the often-overlooked truth: strong women are often raised by present, supportive and informed fathers.

At Dads for Pads, we believe that nurturing the women of tomorrow starts at home, with you, Dad.

Whether you’re raising a daughter, mentoring a niece, or coaching young girls in your community, your words, actions and values shape the way they see their bodies, their worth, and their future.

So, what does it actually mean to nurture the women of the future?

Firstly, it means talking about what’s open unspoken.

Menstruation. Puberty. Emotions. These aren’t just “women’s issues.” They are part of the human experience, and it’s time we stop treating them like taboo topics. When you sit with your daughter and talk openly about her period, or when you offer to pick up pads without making a big deal of it, you’re teaching her that there is nothing shameful about her body. You’re also showing her that men can be informed, supportive and sensitive.

Secondly, it means showing up beyond the breadwinner role.

Being present isn’t just about bringing home the paycheck. It’s about making school lunches, attending parent-teacher meetings, helping with homework, and yes, even being there when your child feels cramps for the first time and doesn’t know what’s happening. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be there.

Thirdly, it means advocating for her, even when she’s not in the room.

Being a dad also means being an ally. It means calling out sexist jokes in the locker room. It means supporting menstrual health education in schools. It means making sure your workplace supports parents and caregivers, mothers and fathers alike. Your daughter is watching. And so are her friends, your sons. Your community.

Next, it means teaching sons to be respectful, not just protective.

Let’s not raise boys to “protect girls”. Let’s raise them to respect girls. To understand consent. To talk about periods without cringing. To share chores and challenge gender stereotypes. That starts with what you modelling it every day.

Finally, it means joining movements that matter.

Dads for Pads isn’t just a catchy name. It’s a movement. It’s a commitment to break the silence around menstruation, tackle period poverty, and build a world where every child, regardless of gender has access to dignity, knowledge and support.

You can start by:

• Signing our Dads for Pads Petition
• Donating or sponsoring period products for local schools and shelters
• Start open conversations with your family.

To Every Dad Reading This:

This Women’s Day, don’t just post a quote or buy flowers. Do something that matters. Start a conversation. Show up for your daughter. Educate your son. Sign the petition. Challenge your biases. Support period dignity.

Because nurturing the women of the future doesn’t start when they’re 18. It starts when they’re 8. And it starts with you. Period.

July is Mandela Month. A time when South Africans reflect, give back, and ask themselves a powerful question: “What am I doing to make the world a better place?” Madiba’s legacy was never just about politics. It was about justice. It was about access. And above all, it was about dignity. In his own words:

“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right.”

And yet, in 2025, millions of children, especially girls, still miss school, still face humiliation, and still bleed in silence because of something as natural as a period.

How is this justice? How is this dignity?

At Qrate, we believe that if we’re truly committed to Madiba’s dream of an educated and equal society, then we need to start with education that includes menstruation.

And not just for the girl child.

Let’s be honest, too many young boys grow up misinformed or completely ignorant about menstruation. They joke. They shame. They become men who stay silent when their daughters or partners bleed. And the cycle of stigma continues.

But what if we raised boys who became fathers who buy pads without flinching? What if we raised boys who grew up knowing that periods are not dirty, not taboo, and definitely not shameful?

That is why this Mandela Month, we’re calling on you, parents, to start the conversation at home. To teach both your sons and daughters about periods with facts, care and pride. Because a society that hides periods is a society that hides people’s pain.

Many parents shy away from talking about periods, not out of malice, but often because they were never taught how to. But the truth is, menstrual education is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children. It’s not just about hygiene or knowing when to use a pad. It’s about confidence, self-worth and a sense of normalcy. For young girls, learning about menstruation before it happens means they’re less likely to feel scared or ashamed. They are more likely to stay in school, raise their hand to ask for help, and advocate for their needs. Girls who understand their bodies grow into women who take charge of their health, set boundaries, and walk into the world with pride, not secrecy.

And for young boys? Menstrual education helps raise a generation of allies. Boys who understand menstruation are less likely to ease, more likely to support, and far more equipped to become emotionally intelligent men who show up for their families and communities. This kind of learning sets the foundation for gender equity, starting at home. When we teach our children about periods, we’re not just giving them information; we’re giving them dignity. And dignity, as Madiba taught us, is the first step toward freedom.

Dads, This is Your Fight Too.

We started Dads for Pads because we’ve seen the power that fathers hold. When a dad chooses to speak up about menstruation, he breaks generational shame. When a father normalises pads, he creates a safer world for his daughter. And when a father supports menstrual education, he models empathy and strength for his son.

This isn’t just about buying pads. It’s about building a period positive world, one where no child ever has to choose between dignity and education.

This Mandela Month, we’re not just remembering Madiba’s legacy, we’re living it. And that means taking action that brings dignity closer to reality for every child. If you’re a parent reading this, know that your voice, your home, and your conversations matter. Talk to your children, yes, your sons too, about periods. Create a space where curiosity is met with care, and where shame has no place. Learn together, laugh through the awkward moments, and show them that dignity starts at home. Most importantly, join us in building a world where no child ever has to choose between their education and a pad. Sign our petition to support menstrual education and product access across the country. Let this be your 67 minutes, your everyday action towards justice, empathy, and change. Because a truly equal South Africa starts with how we treat our children. Period.

Dear Dads,

Let’s start with a question.

When was the last time you had a conversation about periods?
Not with your partner, not as a joke with your friends, but with your daughter? Or your son? Or even your younger self?

If your answer is “never” or “not really,” you’re not alone. For generations, menstruation has been wrapped in silence, shame, and stigma. It was whispered about, hidden away, and labelled a “women’s issue.” But here’s the truth: periods aren’t just about women. They’re about families. They’re about dignity. And yes, they’re about you too, Dad.

What is Menstrual Health Day, and Why Should Dads Care?

Every year on May 28th, the world marks Menstrual Health Day (MHD), a global call to action to break taboos, end period poverty, and promote menstrual equity. This year’s theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, is a reminder that no one can do it alone.

Not teachers. Not NGOs. Not even moms.
We need fathers because being a supportive, informed, period-positive dad changes everything.

Why Your Involvement Matters

Here’s what we know:
●  In many homes, fathers still hold decision-making power, especially around what products are bought or how finances are allocated. That means your understanding (or misunderstanding) of periods can directly impact your daughter’s access to pads or menstrual products.
●  A UNESCO report found that nearly 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their periods due to lack of products, stigma, or pain (UNESCO, 2014). That’s not just a health issue. It’s an education and future opportunity issue.
●  Research also shows that girls who feel supported by male figures are more likely to develop a positive sense of self and manage menstruation with confidence and less shame.

So yes, your support matters more than you might think.

Dads, Here’s What You Can Do (Yes, You!)

Let’s break it down. Building a period-friendly world doesn’t require a PhD in biology. It starts with:

1. Start the ConversationWhether your daughter is 8 or 18, your willingness to say the word “period” out loud without flinching sends a powerful message: there is nothing to be ashamed of. Let her know she can come to you for support —

“How are you feeling today?”
“Do you need anything from the shop?” “Would you like to talk about it?”

These simple sentences build trust.

2. Buy the Pads (Without the Awkwardness)

If your daughter needs pads, tampons, a menstrual cup, or whatever menstrual product she needs, don’t delegate the task; own it. Walk into the store and get what’s needed, the same way you would buy toothpaste or cereal.

By doing this, you’re teaching her and any boys around that menstrual products are normal household items, not shameful secrets.

3. Educate Yourself

You may not have grown up learning about periods, but you can learn now. Menstruation is a biological process, not a mystery. Read a book, watch a YouTube video, or ask questions (without making it weird). Understanding things like period pain, hormonal changes, or the cost of products makes you an informed advocate, not just a passive parent.

4. Support All the Kids, Sons Too

Talk to your sons about periods. When boys grow up learning that periods are normal, they’re less likely to mock, shame, or avoid conversations about them. Instead, they grow up to be the period-positive partners, brothers, and fathers we need.

“But I’m Uncomfortable…” — Let’s Talk About That  

It’s okay to feel awkward at first. Many of us were never taught how to have these conversations. But growth starts with discomfort. And remember: if your daughter can experience cramps, leaks, or anxiety in silence, you can handle a conversation in love.

Imagine how powerful it is for her to know:

“My dad is proud of me. He’s not grossed out. He doesn’t think I’m dirty. He thinks I’m powerful.”

A Note to All Dads, Uncles, Grandpas, and Father Figures

Whether you’re raising a daughter, mentoring a niece, or coaching a girls’ soccer team, you have a role to play in ending period stigma. It starts with showing up, listening, and leading by example.

This Menstrual Health Day, don’t leave the conversation to someone else. Pick it up. Own it. Change it.

Because when fathers become allies, period shame loses its power and we move one step closer to a world where every child grows up knowing that their body is nothing to be ashamed of.

Happy Menstrual Health Day, Dad. Let’s build that Period Friendly World, together.