Petition for Menstrual Dignity:
#DadsForPads Movement.
QRATE is a Non-profit Organisation dedicated to empowering young people through Eduliftment by using education to enhance critical thinking and help them navigate their circumstances. Through our three pillars, service, education, and advocacy, we strive to create a society where youth understand their world and opportunities.
Through our movement, #DadsForPads, we have made advocates of the fathers of South Africa. Fathers play a crucial role in breaking the stigma surrounding periods because no child should miss school because they can’t afford pads. No one should have to choose between food and hygiene. Menstrual health is a human right and, as dads, we are stepping up to fight for it.
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
As #DadsForPads, we believe all South Africans deserve to be heard, yet period poverty remains ignored. We believe this isn’t just a women’s issue but rather a societal one. As men, we refuse to stay silent while millions lack access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation. We acknowledge the Sanitary Dignity Framework and VAT removal on menstrual products are progressive steps forward, but more must be done. Period poverty is still a daily struggle for millions.
WE DEMAND FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS, BETTER SANITATION, EDUCATION, AND GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY TO END PERIOD POVERTY FOR GOOD.
FATHERS DEMAND THE FOLLOWING ACTION:
Free and Accessible Menstrual Products
- Provide free menstrual products in schools, shelters, and public institutions so no one has to go without.
- Install product dispensers in public restrooms to ensure uninterrupted access.
- Partner with local manufacturers to make sustainable, affordable, and reusable menstrual products widely available.
Fathers as Advocates: Awareness and Education
- Implement school and community programmes that involve boys and men in menstrual health discussions.
- Launch a national “Menstrual Education for Fathers” campaign to equip dads with the knowledge to have open conversations about periods.
- Encourage workplaces and religious institutions to include menstrual health in their awareness initiatives.
Improved Sanitation and Hygiene Infrastructure
- Ensure all schools have proper water and sanitation facilities, including functional toilets, private washing areas, and proper disposal bins.
- Implement regular audits and accountability measures to maintain hygiene standards in schools and public restrooms.
- Invest in infrastructure that supports sustainable period solutions, such as reusable pad washing stations.
Medical Care and Support for Menstrual Health Conditions
- Improve healthcare access for those suffering from conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and dysmenorrhea.
- Ensure menstrual health is included in public healthcare policies, with free consultations and treatment options available at clinics.
- Educate communities about period-related medical conditions and provide support networks for those affected.
Legislative Commitment to Menstrual Equity
- Recognise menstrual health as a human right by enacting policies that ensure menstrual equity.
- Allocate national funding to menstrual health programmes to support free product distribution, education, and infrastructure improvements.
- Establish government accountability structures to track progress on menstrual health initiatives.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions
- Promote the use of reusable and biodegradable menstrual products to reduce waste and environmental impact.
- Support local businesses that produce sustainable menstrual products, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
- Ensure public institutions provide safe disposal options to manage menstrual waste responsibly.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR DADS
This isn’t just about periods; it’s about empowerment, care, and raising confident daughters. Step up. Speak up. For too long, periods have been seen as a “women’s issue,” but that mindset has to change. As fathers, we have the power to shape a future where menstruation is understood, accepted, and supported. By taking an active role in menstrual education and advocacy, we create a world where our daughters, nieces, and young women everywhere can thrive without shame or barriers.
We are calling on the Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Department of Water and Sanitation, and Department of Basic Education to take immediate action. Menstrual health isn’t just about access to products; it’s about dignity, education, healthcare, and a supportive society. Period.