Having also experienced the struggle many school girls endure when menstruating is what inspired Duncan Village-born Tamara Magwashu to start Azosule Feminine Hygiene Products.
Azosule, which means “to wipe away every tear from the eyes” in isiXhosa, was established on October 26 2021.
The local start-up, which has collaborated with a woman-owned business in China, offers three types of products: light flow pads, heavy flow pads and panty-liners.
My realisation of period poverty, as well as scarcity of financial opportunity for women, empowered me to start my own sanitary towels, created by women for women
Magwashu said: “My realisation of period poverty, as well as scarcity of financial opportunity for women, empowered me to start my own sanitary towels, created by women for women.
“It has been hypothesised that lack of products can lead to low school attendance.”
After matriculating from Sinovuyo Secondary School in 2015, Magwashu took a gap year in 2016 to work and earn money to attend university.
“During that time, I was working three jobs at the same time to take care of my two children and save money for my varsity registration fee.
“I started studying public relations and communication at the University of Johannesburg in 2017 and because my mother is unemployed, I felt forced to look for work.”
The mother of two worked as a part-time receptionist and waitress to raise the necessary capital to open her own business.
“In 2018, and I started my own business, Aramat M Couture, selling handbags and women’s apparel just so I could raise funds for my dream job of having my own sanitary towels business.”
Magwashu said there was anecdotal evidence that not having sanitary hygiene products could result in young girls missing out on up to five days or more of school due to menstruation.
“This is why Azosule Feminine Hygiene Products would like to bridge the gap as we believe in equality and basic human rights that do not exclude any group or race.
“Our aim is to bring affordable sanitary towels to every part of the country.”
Magwashu said she had started menstruating at the age of 13 while at school, however, there were no sanitary towels or counselling available for pupils.
“After being brought home, my mother offered me an old cloth because it was all she had.
“Because of how uncomfortable and irritating an old rag used as a sanitary towel is, I would avoid leaving our shack or going to school during my periods.”
She again experienced this struggle after giving birth to her second child.
The hospital she had been admitted to had run out of sanitary towels and she could not afford to buy her own.
“I realised how important it was for me to make sure no other woman had to go through what I did.”
Magwashu said the heavy flow pads with four wings could be worn for up to eight hours.
The day-use pads can last up to four hours.
Azosule’s products retail from R25 to R36.
“I have six employees, who are all black, creative and are under the age of 25.”
The products are available on the business’s website, www.afhp.co.za or contact Magwashu on 078-171-0295.
In addition to running a business, Magwashu also runs a pad campaign, She Needs You, for schools in quintiles one to three, child-headed homes and non-profit organisations.
“People can purchase these [pads] for R22.99 on our website, and we will send them to the organisations, houses, or individuals that have contacted us. This effort allows us to reach out to as many people as possible.
“We also encourage other businesses or individuals to contribute whatever they can, even if it’s just teaching about menstruation to assist our women to feel more respected.
“A single pack of pads can prevent a girl child from skipping school.
“Our children, particularly those in rural areas and low income homes rely on us,” she said.
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