The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Mgcini Tshwaku, led a successful outreach programme yesterday, Tuesday, 20 August 2024. With the support of various departments within the Public Safety Department, sanitary towels were distributed to learners at Aurora Girls High in Soweto. This initiative is part of the Department’s commitment to honouring Women’s Month.
Stakeholders at the event educated pupils about the dangers of alcohol consumption, particularly underage drinking. Speakers stressed the importance of young girls advocating for affordable and accessible sanitary towels and menstrual health education. Former female offenders shared their experiences, warning pupils about the consequences of criminal activities, lost opportunities, and the harsh realities of prison life.
MMC Tshwaku emphasised the importance of young girls raising their voices and urged educators to foster an interest in politics among their learners, drawing inspiration from prominent female figures in the struggle, such as Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
“I urge the girls to unite and advocate for their rights, as they are most aware of the issues that affect them. I also encourage them to speak out against any form of abuse, whether it be sexual violence by relatives or witnessing domestic abuse. The Public Safety Department is always ready to address such matters,” said MMC Tshwaku.
Thousands of girls in South Africa miss school days due to period poverty every month. Recognising the critical importance of education for young girls, the MMC said initiatives aimed at addressing period poverty are essential to preventing women from losing their economic independence and becoming trapped in abusive relationships.
