“Flow Campaign” addresses the need for hope and dignity during Women’s Month - Air Products South Africa
Air Products South Africa’s Flow Campaign distributed 15,000 sanitary pads across three Gauteng schools, pairing the donation with educational talks and a diary book to help female learners manage menstruation and maintain school attendance. The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to yo…
In a bid to keep girls in classrooms and foster confidence during puberty, Air Products South Africa rolled out its Flow Campaign in August, coinciding with Women’s Month. The corporate social investment program supplied roughly 15,000 sanitary pads to female students at three schools in Gauteng, ensuring they have the resources to stay on track academically.
What Happened
During Women’s Month, Air Products distributed a bulk of reusable and disposable sanitary products to learners at Thabisang Primary in Soweto, Laerskool Kreft in Kempton Park, and Fred Nxorman Secondary in Ennerdale. Each student received enough supplies to last for three months, a period that typically covers the peak of menstrual cycles for many girls. The initiative was accompanied by a short educational session and the presentation of a book titled My PMS Diary, written by TT Mbha and his daughters.
Why It Matters
In South Africa, lack of menstrual hygiene products remains a significant barrier to female education. Studies show that girls who cannot access sanitary supplies often miss days of school, which accumulates into lost learning opportunities over the academic year. Air Products’ Flow Campaign directly addresses this gap by providing both the physical tools and the knowledge needed to manage menstruation with dignity.
How the Campaign Works
The Flow Campaign was conceived a few years ago after Air Products identified a clear link between menstrual health and academic performance. The company’s corporate social investment strategy focuses on youth and education, and the campaign is built around the tagline “Don’t let your flow stop your go.” This slogan encourages girls to remain present in school and to view menstruation as a natural part of life rather than a source of shame.
- Product Distribution: Each learner received a pack of sanitary pads sufficient for a three‑month period.
- Educational Talk: Teachers and Air Products staff delivered a brief presentation on menstrual changes, proper use of sanitary products, and personal hygiene practices.
- Diary Book: TT Mbha’s My PMS Diary was given to primary school students to help them track their cycles and emotions, fostering open communication with parents, especially fathers.
- Community Engagement: The program highlighted the importance of discussing menstruation in households where the topic is often taboo, encouraging parents to support their daughters.
Impact on Students and Staff
Teachers at Laerskool Kreft expressed excitement over receiving the sanitary packs, noting that the initiative would reduce absenteeism and boost confidence among girls. At Fred Nxorman Secondary, students eagerly opened their bundles, with several sharing that they had never had a reliable supply before.
Arthi Govender, chairperson of Air Products’ CSI Committee, emphasized that the educational component is as vital as the product donation. “Research shows that girls lacking proper sanitary products stay home during their cycle, leading to significant loss of school days,” Govender said. “We aim to keep learners in school and help them understand that menstruation is a normal, empowering part of life.”
Future Plans and Ongoing Commitment
Govender highlighted the synergy between the Flow Campaign and Women’s Month, stating that the company wants young females to recognize their worth from an early age. The campaign is part of a broader strategy to promote gender equality and educational equity across South Africa. While the current distribution covered three schools, Air Products plans to expand the program to additional schools in the coming years, ensuring more girls have access to menstrual hygiene products and related education.
Conclusion
Air Products’ Flow Campaign not only supplies essential sanitary products but also delivers crucial knowledge, encouraging girls to maintain school attendance and embrace their bodies with dignity. By aligning the initiative with Women’s Month, the company underscores its commitment to fostering a society where every female learner feels respected and empowered, regardless of socio‑economic background.
Why it matters
Providing menstrual hygiene products and education reduces absenteeism among female students, directly improving academic outcomes and supporting gender equality in education.
Key points
- Air Products distributed 15,000 sanitary pads across three Gauteng schools
- The initiative paired product delivery with educational talks and a diary book
- Lack of menstrual products leads to significant school absenteeism
- The campaign aligns with Women’s Month to promote dignity and empowerment
- Future plans include expanding the program to more schools
Frequently asked questions
How many sanitary pads were donated in the Flow Campaign?
Air Products donated approximately 15,000 sanitary pads to female learners at three schools in Gauteng.
What additional resources were provided to the students?
Each learner received a book called "My PMS Diary" and participated in an educational talk on menstrual health and hygiene.
Why is the Flow Campaign important for female education?
It helps reduce absenteeism caused by lack of menstrual products, thereby improving academic performance and fostering confidence.
