What We Do
Our Work
Our programmes involve the training and employment of women as seamstresses of reusable pads as well as providing vulnerable communities access to sustainable sanitary products and education around sexual and reproductive health.
Training
Unemployment rates are high in South Africa and many local and refugee women seek economic opportunities.
Our training program offers aspiring seamstresses from Masiphumelele township the chance to acquire valuable skills and master the art of sewing reusable sanitary pads, empowering them to generate income and support their families.
Employment
We encourage trainees to turn their passion for sewing into meaningful work.
Some women we train become part of our team, stitching reusable pads that we distribute to girls and women in need within the community. This not only allows them to engage in work they are passionate about but also helps them provide for their families.
Distribution
Many South Africans in low-income communities lack the resources to manage their period. Code Red Initiative provides menstruators with sustainable sanitary products that are safe for the body and planet.
We provide menstrual kits which include reusable pads made by our seamstresses as well as the necessary products such as soap, pegs and buckets to privately clean and store pads and eco-friendly disposable pads to girls and women in under-resourced schools and communities.
Education
Feelings towards periods are often internalized as shameful and disgusting among South African menstruators due to misinformation, stigma and gender inequality.
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We address the lack of information and open dialogue around sexual and reproductive health by offering educational workshops to schools and communities. Workshops serve as a safe space for menstruators to learn about their bodies and express their thoughts and feelings in an interactive, non-judgmental environment.