Hirsch’s Foundation recently visited AZ Bermann High School - which opened its doors in January this year and serves 300 students from grade 8 to 9 and is situated in the South Metropole of Cape Town, to launch the Restoring Dignity programme to Young Girls in Cape Town. Margaret Hirsch, BWSA’s Business Woman Of The Year (Entrepreneur) took on this project when she learnt that post pubescent girls in underprivileged areas around the country (and throughout Africa) were not attending school for a week every month when they had their periods. “These girls are missing out on three months of their education every year. I realised that it was something that had to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.” The Restoring Dignity programme sets out to provide young girls with resources to restore dignity to their daily lives by providing them with re – usable, eco friendly sanitary towels. The project was adopted by the Business Women’s Association (BWA) which is South Africa’s leading and largest network for women in business, the association motivates women to be inspired, learn & connect.
Manufacturer of the subz panty and pad packs, Sue Barnes, actively engages students across South Africa in educational programs and perfected the design of the packs. The panty is made of a 100 cotton knit and contains a 100 per cent cotton with containing an outer hydrophobic layer with an inner hydrophilic absorbent layer. Coming from humble beginnings - to being awarded the accolade of BWA Business Woman of the “You’ve got brains in your head, you’ve got feet in your shoes, you drive your life in which way you choose, you are who you are, you know what you know , you’re the one who decides where you go” quoted Margaret as she reflected on the importance of making good decisions and surrounding yourself by positive energy.