Walter Sisulu University accounting student Unathi Mashaba won second place at the prestigious SAICA Student Leadership Awards for her innovative project addressing menstrual poverty.
The second-year student, 19, presented her groundbreaking business idea, Asakhe Wear, which tackles period poverty and promotes environmental sustainability through reusable period underwear, at a summit in Sandton.
Her project was reusable period underwear costing R380 in a packet of three.
The summit brought together students from various South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)-accredited universities, each demonstrating innovative business ideas designed to address community needs and align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mashaba, who is originally from Mpumalanga, said she and her partner, Kanalelo Motloung, decided to tackle the topic because lack of access to sanitary wear affected many people in South Africa.
“We believe menstruation should not hinder anyone’s ability to pursue education or work, and it is essential to provide equitable access to menstrual hygiene products.”
Hearing stories about young women who could not afford sanitary towels broke her heart.
This made her realise the urgency of finding solutions to the pain felt by women and girls who could not go to work or school because of lack of access to hygiene products.
“I have witnessed first-hand the struggles of individuals who cannot afford basic menstrual hygiene products.
“A lot of females in Bushbuckridge resort to inadequate menstrual product substitutes, which can lead to health risks and discomfort.”
She says her sanitary towels played a part in sustaining the environment by creating reusable period underwear partially made from plant waste.
“This approach reduces the overall waste generated from disposable menstrual products and minimises our carbon footprint.
“Additionally, we focus on conserving resources by producing both fibre and food from the same plant.”
Mashaba said presenting her idea in front of a crowd had evoked mixed emotions, but her passion for her vision fuelled her confidence.
“Taking the stage was both exhilarating and nerve-racking.
“However, I felt a strong sense of pride in our work and was motivated to effectively communicate our vision for Asake Wear.
“Being the first runner-up feels incredibly rewarding.
“It serves as an affirmation of the hard work my team and I have put into our project, and it has garnered increased recognition for our product.
Our win reinforces the importance of our mission and motivates us to continue our efforts
“Our win reinforces the importance of our mission and motivates us to continue our efforts.
“It also serves as motivation to keep on working hard to start selling this reusable product so we can start making an effect on female lives.”
Mashaba said one of the ways forward was to partner with the government in creating and distributing the product.
“Collaborating with local organisations to distribute products and provide education on menstrual health can also significantly alleviate the challenges faced by women.
“We also plan on collaborating with the national government and local municipalities so they can buy our reusable period underwear and provide them to underserved communities.”
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.