“Population Services International (PSI) donated sanitary pads to Vaal University of Technology, which were distributed across student residences. The initiative supports the health and well-being of young women.”
11 November 2025 | Story: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Photo: Keitumetse Mokgope
On 7 November 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) received a generous donation of sanitary pads, along with Trust condoms, from Population Services International (PSI). The initiative aimed to promote menstrual health, restore dignity, and support young women from diverse backgrounds within the university community.
PSI, a globally recognised nonprofit organisation, is dedicated to improving public health with a strong focus on sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and gender equality. Through this donation, PSI reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and ensuring that female students have the resources to manage their health with confidence and dignity.
Following the donation, VUT, through its Institutional HIV and AIDS Unit (IHAU), led the distribution of sanitary pads to various student residences, ensuring that young women in need were reached. Peer educators played a pivotal role in this process, assisting with the distribution across residences such as Nkandla and others on campus. Their involvement ensured that the process was well coordinated and that students received both products and guidance.
During the handover event, Mr Vincent Mdluli, HIV Assistant Coordinator at VUT, delivered a heartfelt message on the impact of such contributions. He noted that access to sanitary towels and other donated items would greatly assist students, particularly those facing financial hardship. “These pads will bring back women’s pride,” he said, emphasising that many young women come from challenging backgrounds and that this gesture would help restore their confidence and self-worth.
Mrs Maureen Motsukunyane, Director of IHAU, expressed sincere gratitude to PSI for recognising and responding to the needs of students. She highlighted that the initiative would make a tangible difference in many lives. “These sanitary towels will help most of our needy students,” she said, urging young women to use the resources wisely and remain focused on their education.
Students also shared heartfelt messages of appreciation. Ms Nkosazana Ntado from Nkandla residence said, “This kind of gesture should be done often, as it helps other girls who really need it.” Likewise, Ms Lesego Ramothibe added, “Thanks to PSI and VUT, because this will really help one lady, I don’t want to lie.”
Through this initiative, PSI, VUT, and its peer educators have demonstrated the transformative power of partnership in advancing menstrual health and supporting student well-being, ensuring that no woman’s education is disrupted by a lack of essential resources.