On November 30th, the Qrate team had the privilege of visiting Kingsmead College, a private all-girls school, to conduct a dynamic Menstrual Health and Period Poverty Workshop. With an audience of 320 girls, the two-hour session proved to be a transformative experience.
For two engaging hours, our dedicated Qrate team led a two-part workshop, diving deep into the nuances of menstrual health and addressing the critical issue of period poverty. The sessions were not just informative; they were interactive, creating a safe space for open dialogue and exploration.
Our Menstrual Health sessions for the Kingsmead Girls were designed to be more than just a presentation; it was an experience. Engaging activities kept the energy high and the conversations flowing. From debunking myths to exploring the different facets of menstrual health, the girls actively participated in every aspect of the workshop. As the workshop unfolded, the enthusiasm in the room was palpable. The girls left inspired, not just with knowledge but with a determination to be catalysts for change. The conversation extended beyond the classroom, with many expressing a newfound commitment to end period poverty in South Africa.
At Qrate, our mission goes beyond education; it’s about empowerment. We believe that by arming young minds with critical thinking skills and knowledge, we can create a generation that dismantles stigmas and advocates for change. The Kingsmead College workshop was a significant step in that direction.
A heartfelt thank you to Kingsmead College for the warm welcome and to the 320 incredible girls who made this workshop a success. Your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference are truly inspiring. As we reflect on this impactful session, we look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with schools, communities, and organizations.
Together, we can create a future where menstrual health is a right, not a privilege. Period!
On the 20th of November, our commitment to menstrual health education reached new heights as we joined forces with Siemens Healthineers to conduct an enlightening workshop at Fons Luminis Secondary School in Diepkloof, Soweto. This collaboration marked a significant stride towards empowering young minds with knowledge and dismantling menstrual myths.
Siemens Healthineers South Africa is dedicated to fostering the sustainable progress of our community and its residents. The Healthineers team advocates for a supportive approach rather than a one-time charitable contribution, emphasizing ongoing collaboration in social investments. Teaming up with Siemens Healthineers Step Up initiative allowed the Qrate team to leverage their expertise in health education, creating a dynamic and engaging platform for Fons Luminis Secondary School girls. The collaboration aimed to foster an open dialogue about menstrual health, providing a safe space for 141 young girls to learn, share, and grow.
The Siemens Healthineers Team packing gift bags including period products.
The workshop was designed to focus on the fundamental basics of menstrual health. The activities were informative but also fun and interactive, ensuring that the girls were not just passive listeners but active participants in their education. From understanding the menstrual cycle to exploring different period products, the workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics.
Dispelling myths surrounding menstruation is crucial for fostering a healthy and informed attitude towards this natural bodily process. Through engaging discussions and myth-busting activities, the girls gained insights that will empower them to navigate their menstrual journeys confidently. After the workshop, the Principal of Fons Luminis Secondary School (Mr.Livhuwani Sundani) expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the Qrate workshop sharing his sentiments about the lived realities of school girls and period poverty.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Siemens Healthineers for their unwavering support and commitment to this cause. Together, we’ve planted seeds of knowledge that will undoubtedly blossom into a future where menstrual health is understood, celebrated, and free from stigma. As we reflect on this successful collaboration, we look forward to more opportunities to create positive change, one workshop at a time. Here’s to breaking barriers, shattering myths, and empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
Siemens Healthineers & Qrate Team
If you are passionate about menstrual health education and believe in empowering young minds, we welcome collaborations and sponsorships to expand our reach and impact. Let’s work together to make a lasting difference.
Reach out to us at info@qrate.org.za. Together, let’s continue the journey of education, empowerment, and breaking taboos. Period!
Step into the heart of community development, where Qrate and the Embassy of Argentina in South Africa joined forces for a transformative and empowering day at Lowe Primary School. This collaborative effort marked a significant expansion of the longstanding partnership, moving beyond sports development to address a critical issue: period poverty.
On the day, we had 140 young girls engage in our fun Menstrual Health Workshop. Facilitated by our Qrate facilitator Lebo Kotane, this session aimed not only to impart knowledge but also to foster a sense of empowerment among the participants. From debunking myths to delivering accurate information, the workshop became a safe space of enlightenment, equipping these young individuals with essential insights into menstrual health.
The day unfolded into an Art Prizegiving ceremony, acknowledging and celebrating the artistic prowess of Lowe Primary’s students. This multi-dimensional approach, combining education with creativity, exemplifies Qrate’s commitment to fostering holistic development within communities.
A commendable extension of commitment by the Embassy of Argentina was witnessed on this occasion. Known for their contributions to sports development at Lowe Primary School, the Embassy has now taken a holistic approach by addressing period poverty. Beyond the distribution of menstrual products, this collaboration underscores a commitment to ensuring that no student’s education is hindered by the lack of access to essential hygiene resources. In light of the success achieved through this collaboration, Qrate extends a formal call to action to organizations across sectors. The issue at hand—period poverty—is a shared challenge that demands collective attention. Organizations, regardless of scale, are invited to align their efforts with Qrate to contribute substantively to the eradication of period poverty.
Corporations, non-profit entities, and individuals with a vested interest in societal well-being are encouraged to explore engagement opportunities. Collaborative initiatives, sponsorships, and volunteer endeavours are pathways through which collective efforts can make a tangible impact on the lives of those affected by period poverty.
Qrate’s collaborative initiative at Lowe Primary School serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in effecting positive change. From menstrual health education to artistic appreciation, the day encapsulated a vision for an empowered future.
Ready to make a difference? Contact Qrate to express interest in collaborating on Menstrual Health Workshops at info@qrate.org.za.
Have you ever missed physical education lessons at school or any other sporting commitments because you were on your period?
The fact is that menstruators across the world are missing out on sports because of their periods due to the inaccessibility of period products, while others have felt self-conscious and embarrassed to participate during their period due to societal stigmas.
By working to break down harmful period stigma, we can ensure no one has to miss or avoid participating in sports while on their period because having your period should not get in the way of you participating in sports,
In June, Qrate and Football Without Borders SA collaborated to take a step toward flipping the narrative on menstruation for young South African athletes. The workshop left the young athletes empowered, knowing that they can, too, thrive in the sporting world as menstruators.
Period Poverty in South African Schools
Millions of menstruators in South Africa are not able to afford or cannot access period products. This is known as period poverty.
Respective research conducted in South African Schools by the Menstrual Hygiene Management and The Borgen Project found that:
83% of menstruating learners do not have regular access to menstrual hygiene products both at school and at home;
1 in 4 learners (who menstruate) miss school monthly because they lack access to menstrual hygiene products and support during their menstrual periods;
An estimated 30% of South African menstruators do not attend school while they are on their period because they do not have sanitary products.
How Does Period Poverty Affect Sports Participation?
The statistics above in South African schools reflect the realities that menstruators face across society. Menstruators play on an uneven playing field due to existing period stigmas, period product inequality, and inaccessibility. This translates to missed training, missed competitions, and increased dropouts of menstruators in sports. In summary, these are MISSED OPPORTUNITIES and LOST POTENTIAL for millions of girls, and women.
What Can We Learn From Football Without Borders SA?
Our workshop with Football Without Borders SA was a special one because it was telling that there are sports clubs and organisations that are making efforts to provide and integrate menstrual health education for their athletes to ensure that menstruators have a safe and comfortable environment. Not only is menstrual education important for the athletes but also for the coaches and staff members to understand how to support menstruators.
The more we can start normalising menstrual conversations and education in sports, the easier it will be to spread support. If we start talking more openly about periods – a menstruator who might be struggling with their period would be more open to seek support from their parents, coaches, or staff members to get help and advice.
Sparking conversations about menstruation health enables us to celebrate what women on their periods have achieved, and helps to break taboos while opening the door for an important mindset shift in sports regarding periods. The more conversations we can have about periods in sports, the easier it can become to set setting higher standards for girls and women in sports to be protected and supported.
Did You Know That Qrate Is On A Nationwide Period Positive Tour? 🩸
Qrate is on a period tour all across South Africa. If any schools or youth organisations would like to get involved or be a part of the period positive tour, please email info@qrate.co.za
We are excited to share our team’s new menstrual drip that has been proudly sponsored by Levi Strauss & Co. Our new fit includes a new period positive shirt accompanied with a classic Levi blue jean for each team member.
To celebrate the official launch of our new team look, our team had a energy and laughter-filled photoshoot to showcase Qrate’s newest team merch. Read more to check out our team photoshoot and the meaning behind our period positive team shirt.
The eye-catching yet meaningful print design on our shirt is the Qrate trademark and here is why. Period positivity is a central focus of our work and therefore our shirt reflects of our mission to empower young girls on periods. We want our shirt design to spark conversations around menstrual topics typically considered taboo such as period stigma and period poverty.
“Power to the period” means shifting back the power to women over our bodies, periods, and rights. We can no longer fail to engage and remain silent on those who menstruate. Throughout history, periods have been hidden from the public as they have been seen as a taboo and/or embarrassing but we are flipping the coin in shifting this narrative to one that is empowering and positive.
We are proud to be rocking these new shirts because they colourfully, boldly and loudly represent what we work towards. A big thank you to Levi Strauss & Co for supporting and supplying the Qrate team with our newest team merch.
Name a cooler team tackling period poverty. I’ll wait! 🩸
— Minister of Menstruation🩸 (@Candice_Chirwa) April 26, 2023
Did you know that Qrate is on a nation-wide period positive tour?
Qrate is on a period tour all across South Africa. If any schools or youth organisations would like to get involved or be a part in the period positive tour, please email info@qrate.co.za
Join the movement to break period stigma and let’s start having real conversations about menstrual health. Qrate is committed to providing Menstrual Education in ending period poverty in South Africa. Check out our recent #Periodpositivetour video highlight below.
