Tessa Gough’s daring journey across the Kalahari Desert will serve as a symbol of hope and empowerment for women facing a daily battle for basic dignity.
Cape Town, South Africa (28 August 2024) – While the world continues to move forward in various progressive ways, the disheartening reality of young women being unable to access or afford the very basic need of sanitary wear remains a huge problem in our country.
Period poverty is a silent struggle for young women in many areas of South Africa, which sees schoolgirls and young women missing school or work or living in constant fear of embarrassment during that “time of the month” because of limited or no menstrual products, sanitation or hygiene facilities.
Simply put, period poverty costs women and girls too much, and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Bringing awareness and boldly tackling this issue is Tessa Gough, who will be embarking on a gruelling 250km, self-supported desert run across the Kalahari in September as part of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon, taking place between the 14 and 22 of September.
As part of her Kalahari marathon, Tessa will be collaborating with the remarkable organisation, Mama Flo. This Cape Town-based charity is dedicated to providing menstrual products and educational resources to women in the Langa and Khayelitsha townships.
“My goal is to raise R70,000 to provide 500 packs of reusable sanitary pads for these ladies, each pack can last a girl up to 5 years,” Tessa shared.
Mama Flo, established in 2020, aims to address period poverty comprehensively. They achieve this through educational workshops, pad distributions and leadership development by training future leaders through ambassador and intern programs.
Tessa has also started a BackaBuddy page, which has already received over R12,700 in donations in under two weeks.
“I believe every girl should have the freedom to move, boogie, learn, and reach her full potential without having to worry about accessing sanitary products – something that should be a human right.
“By joining me on this journey, you’re not just supporting a crazy desert run; you’re investing in a future where all girls can thrive and move their bodies in any way they want!”
With each step, Tessa will raise awareness and funds, ensuring that more young girls can access the essential resources they need to thrive.
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Sources: Tessa Gough
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