Liz at Lancaster and Project dignity
For several years Liz at Lancaster has wanted to give back to society but, feeble as this might sound, there are so many areas in dire need of money that we were overwhelmed and so did nothing. But then remembered Project Dignity which ticked all the boxes such as youth; women; education; environmentally friendly; sustainability; and all with respect for human dignity.
In a nutshell:
The objective of Project Dignity is to empower young girls through education and access to sanitary wear to reach their full potential with dignity.
Young women
According to UNICEF, one in ten schoolgirls in Africa miss classes or drop out completely due to their monthly cycle.Education
Statistics show that close to 4 million girls between 10 and 19 years in South Africa miss a week of school every month due to limited access of sanitary pads. This affects their education very negatively. This in turn results in high school dropout rates which are linked to the high teenage pregnancy statistics. Subz Pants and pads allow learners to attend throughout the month and so reduces absenteeism and dropout rates in schools. There are general health issues as well as many rural young women substitute regular pads or tampons for less safe and less absorbent materials such as rags, newspaper or bark. In addition most girls are from child-headed homes where there is no one to talk to and educate them on sexual health. Project Dignity volunteers do not simply drop off the product. They talk to the young women about puberty, changes to their bodies and health management.Environmentally friendly
Subz Pads are 100% cotton, eco-friendly, re-usable sanitary pads which clip onto women’s underwear and do not need to be disposed of. They are simply washed and dried in the privacy of the home and re-used the next day. The pad contains no gels or absorbent chemicals and is totally biodegradable. It is a “green peace” product, and being biodegradable will not clog landfills.Sustainability
Subz Pantz and Pads are packaged in Subz Packs consisting of 3 pieces of underwear with clip on studs, 9 re-usable sanitary pads and an educational booklet. The pack will last the young woman for 5 years, as long as she only wears the panties whilst menstruating.Dignity
All this while being mindful of the young women’s dignity and helping empower them and grow their self-esteem through gaining knowledge of their bodies and sexual rights.
Project Dignity works through schools. They have Ambassadors in Cape Town, Gauteng and KZN. There is a cost for the ambassadors transport and education fee as well as the Subzpads and any donations goes towards funding these costs.
How can you donate?
Deposit into the following account giving the name Lancaster and your name.Project Dignity Trust
First National Bank
Acc No: 624 944 89646
Branch Code: 223526
Should you want to you can send a Proof of Payment to sue@subzpads.co.za