A Gqeberha-based teenager has spent his last three birthdays collecting sanitary pads for women in need and has no intention of stopping soon.
Ambesa Tokwe, from Motherwell, will be turning 20 this Saturday (April 15) but instead of a big blowout party, he has once again roped in his friends and community on a project that is very close to his heart.
The avid runner will be hosting “Ambesa’s Fitness Day” a 5km fun run/walk combined with aerobics class in order to collect sanitary pads.
“The idea came about when I was back home in Alice, in the rural areas. A neighbour came to our house to ask for a sanitary pad, that stuck with me for a while and I decided to take it upon myself to try and help where I can.
“So in 2021 I decided to celebrate my birthdays moving forward in a very different way, I asked a group of my friends to assist me in running 30km and for every kilometre we run we would ask the public to donate a packet of sanitary pads.”
Tokwe says the response to his first run was so good he decided to make it more inclusive.
“For 2022 I decided to reduce the distance from 30km to 5km, a distance that I felt would be able to accommodate more people, including those who wanted to walk.”
The event started with only five runners in 2021, growing to 47 participants in 2022 when he partnered with the Community Fitness and Health Club in Motherwell.
This year the initiative includes even more activities with participants being able to get involved in Tae Bo, Aerobics and Cardio box in addition to the run/walk for the cost of two packs of pads or R50.
“The event is to raise sanitary pads for the needy and the disadvantaged communities, but it is not only about getting products for those who need them – although this is obviously a priority – it is also about bringing dignity to women,” said the sports fanatic known for his infectious smile and wholehearted support of his community.
“Having to buy sanitary pads every month strains many families financially. Getting your period means additional expenses, days away from school, and risking regular infections. The alternatives, such as toilet paper and rags, that poor rural girls use can be extremely dangerous to their health. Others are forced to wear a pad for extended periods of time because they cannot afford to buy more.
“The decision whether to buy a loaf of bread to satiate a grumbling stomach, or a sanitary pad to manage a young girl’s period is commonly made amongst households struggling to survive. And more often than not, the stomach wins.”
If you would like to help Ambesa Tokwe you can email him
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