Activator Answers The Call To Address The Plight Of The Girl Child

Activator Khahliso Sedidi known as Mongameli De MC has answered the call to address the plight of the girl child by radically challenging status quo through advocacy and awareness for women’s health rights.

Based in Bloemfontein Free State and originally from Eastern Cape, he has started an advocacy campaign called Keeping A Girl Child at School which aims to shine a light  on women’s health rights and is centred on driving a sanitary pads drive which will put dignity on the girl child.

The campaign will be implemented in the Free State province, specifically in two locations, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu where Khahliso identified the great need of mobilising resources by collecting sanitary pads through support of the Activate Changers Drivers network and community where he aims to put an end to the embodiment that the girl child bears especially when they come from disadvantaged households.

According to the initiator of this campaign, Khahliso says – “this campaign aims to reduce absenteeism and dropout rates from school among girls due to menstrual-related issues.”

“We seek to educate girls about proper menstrual hygiene practices and provide them with the necessary resources to manage their menstruation with dignity.And the campaign aims to empower girls to take control of their education, health, and well-being.”

Furthermore, “we want to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation health issues which have a negative effect on the learner’s self-esteem and confidence which deters their access to free and basic education and full experience in schools.”

The Keeping A Girl Child at School campaign aims to provide sanitary pads to 6,500 young girls in the target area. To achieve this ambitious goal, Khahliso relies on the collective support and participation of individuals and organizations.

The good news is preparations have been in place for the campaign to be in the first week of September. And a challenge has been posed to all members of the Activate Changers Drivers network, and activists across the country to assist with donations and small funding.

Without question, Khahliso’s desire to be an agent of change is without question and that is seen through stepping on uncharted territory by advancing the interests of the girl child. Khahliso views women’s health and rights as a top priority which must be mobilised by the South African government and across the world,

“Women’s health rights are mostly human rights of which everyone, regardless of gender deserves equal access to healthcare, education, autonomy over their own bodies, and also to protection from discrimination. So when we talk about woman’s health rights we refer to much more than just access to doctors, we are talking about reproductive 2020 rights, access to healthcare, freedom from violence, equity and dignity, and in my view women’s health rights are non-negotiable. Protecting and advancing them is key to building a fair, healthy, and empowered society.” 

In closing, 2020 Activator, Khahliso Sedidi sounds a warcry for activators in the network by mentioning the following. In closing, this campaign has reminded me of something deeply powerful — that no girl should ever have to choose between her dignity and her education. We’ve seen the pain of silence, the strength in sisterhood, and the beauty of restoring confidence in just one act of kindness.

This has never been about the pads — it is about showing every girl that she matters, that her voice is heard, and that she is not alone.

To everyone who is supporting the campaign, giving, sharing, or caring — thank you. Let’s carry this spirit forward, knowing that even the smallest act of compassion can light up a life. And together, we’ll keep showing up — for dignity, for equality, and for every girl who still needs us.

As a catalyst for positive change, I firmly believe in leading by example and making a meaningful impact.”

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About the Author:

Lebogang Victor Ditsebe is a 2018 Activator from Kimberley, Northern Cape. Member of the Writers Hub, Civic Champion for the Holding Local Government accountable programme for ACTIVATE Change Drivers and a passionate disability rights awareness advocate.