Many women menstruate monthly for an average of 40-years of their lives. In many countries, like South Africa, some women still do not have access to the sanitary products they need to live life to the fullest each month.
While there are many health problems that come with period poverty in our country, many organizations are using their platforms to increase access to sanitary products and help many girls stay in school.
Having seen the need for sanitary products, particularly for young girls, Babalwa Mbuku, founder and CEO of Ntombam sanitary towels and Ntombam clothing, has become a saviour to young girls in the Eastern Cape. The Mthatha born social entrepreneur dedicates her life to ensure that girls get educated in menstrual hygiene and get the products they need. From being a menstrual coach to motivational speaker, author and international award winner, Babalwa has become a beacon of hope with lots of influence while getting people to live driven lives, beyond life’s limitations.
Road to Ntombam
Growing up in a faith-filled family, Babalwa says giving was seen as one of their ‘core values’ which initiated her love for community outreach. ‘I started a charity some years back, focusing on feeding the needy, after owning a couple of businesses before. With time, I developed an interest in combining my passion for uplifting communities with business and did not know how. As a praying woman, I asked God for guidance and a divine revelation on how I could go about this.’ And aligning with her answered prayers, Babalwa says that Ntombam sanitary towels sprung about after ‘a cry for help by young girls in the Eastern Cape during the budget speech engagements in 2018.’ With the government’s response to having no strategy in place for a demanding initiative this big, Babalwa continues to say that she took it upon herself to create a brand that supported the needs of young girls – and through this, Ntombam sanitary towels was born.
Ntombam sanitary towels
Researching and investigating sanitary towels that were already in the market, was essential (in order to sift-out), as many brands did not cater to the full comfort experience and feeling – leaving young girls with leakages and unwanted scents. In her visits to some areas, Babalwa discovered that some young girls needed to incorporate extreme alternatives for their period [they had no access to sanitary towels]. ‘I found that some girls in parts of the province use items such as cloth, aloe peels and soil wrapped in cloth for their period, which is unhealthy’ – adding to her research behind hygiene. ‘I discovered that even those that can “afford” sanitary towels, the challenge lies with the type of sanitary towels they use. They opt for the cheapest or most accessible, which in most cases are not the best quality as they are not absorbent’. With this reality, she acknowledged that providing sanitary towels alone was not enough, restoring dignity was equally important. With ‘dignity packs’ that included products such as: soap, deodorant, toothpaste and other basics she addressed the need.
Ntombam to the community
Working in underprivileged communities, many stigmas have been formed and formed part of the young minds within the community. Babalwa admits, ‘existing stereotypes and cultural beliefs have caused this stigma that we speak of’ and she explains that ‘many girls are unable to embrace, talk freely and open up about their period and the challenges that come with it.’ Though, with the many myths around menstruation, as a menstrual coach, Babalwa says, ‘I decided to design a menstrual coaching manual that has shifted focus from the traditional and conventional way in which menstrual coaching has been conducted before.’ With the outreach done in the community, she states that by offering free sanitary towels, she has not acquired funding or support from the government at this point in time. However, irreconcilable to this, she utters, ‘I have managed to strengthen my networking and partnership building and managed to sustain the business. The donations have been made possible by our partners in the private sector, who play a pivotal role in ensuring that our #keepingagirlchildinschool initiative is constantly assisting schools in communities in need.’ Adding, ‘we have made the relevant strides and our self-marketing and social media presence has helped us gain the needed momentum and support.’
Balabwa Mbuku today
Caterpilling with tremendous achievements, Babalwa says, ‘I am a purpose-driven self-starter aiming to inspire, motivate and equip young girls to defy unfavourable societal standards of success, despite academic and social challenges.’
‘Using my life story of resilience, I strive to be a beacon of hope and an example of endless possibilities to young women, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds. I believe in the importance of focusing on endless possibilities and optimism for the future despite failure.’
Over the years, Babalwa has stayed true to her personal mantra, “kuyaqaleleka”, meaning, “starting over is possible.” ‘I have run businesses before and have failed in the process, but what is important is being able to pick oneself up and starting over,’ she shares. ‘I have proven through the current business that having a vision that is clearly defined, allows one to persevere despite challenges.’ But that doesn’t mean the journey is without challenges. ‘A vision requires sacrifice and creativity.’
Babalwa looks forward to change in a positive light. ‘Failure leads to many lessons, and without it, one cannot grow,’ she encourages.
Menstruation hygiene facts:
- Poor menstrual hygiene can cause physical health risks and has been linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections.
- Globally, 1.7 billion people live without basic sanitation services.
- Girls with disabilities disproportionately do not have access to the facilities and resources they need for proper menstrual hygiene.
