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.