Parliament, Tuesday, 31 March 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training will on Wednesday, 1 April, host a colloquium to address access to menstrual hygiene products in South Africa.
Menstrual health is an essential component of public health, gender equality and human rights. Yet millions of girls and women globally and in South Africa continue to face barriers in accessing menstrual hygiene products, safe sanitation and accurate menstrual health education. Despite progressive policy developments such as the removal of VAT on menstrual products and the development of the Sanitary Dignity Implementation Framework (SDIF), many women and girls still cannot afford or access menstrual products.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie said, “We are pleased that we are now able to have this important conversation and are able to bring key stakeholders in the sector. A lot has happened, including the study by the University of Free State examining endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and panty liners. These developments have made it clear that urgent action is required to prioritise product safety and women’s dignity. We must protect the health and dignity of women across our nation.”
The details of the Colloquium are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026
TIME: 09:00–16:00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES.
For media enquiries please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
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