One uncomfortable experience was enough to encourage a Bonteheuwel teenager to do all she can to help end period poverty.

Arcadia High School Grade 11 pupil La’iqah Daames, 16, has been distributing packs of menstrual pads to girls in Bonteheuwel, Heideveld, Manenberg, Ottery and Wynberg over the past few months.

“A few months ago, I got my period and I used a cloth because I didn’t have a pad at hand. It was so uncomfortable to me, and it made me think of all the girls who have to go through this every month. Mine was once-off. I then spoke to my mother, and she supported my vision to embark on a journey to help end period poverty,” La’iqah says.

She is the face behind The Young and the Hopeful, a non-profit company her parents, Nawhaal and Muneer Daames, started.

So far, she has distributed 300 care packs, which include panty liners, pads, soap or wipes. She raises funds by making online ID appointments at Home Affairs for other people and asking for a donation for this service.

At first, she did this to raise funds for her matric ball next year, but she says she soon realised there is a greater need, and all the funds she generates go towards her care-pack drive.

La’iqah and her family also distribute food to the needy.

Ms Daames says they are proud of their daughter.

“All of this happened in the spur of the moment. As her parents, we just want to do what makes her happy, as long as it does not interfere with her school work. We are so proud of her. We registered an NPC and her dad created a website for her project. We will stand behind her until she can step into her role fully.”

Her friend, Jaydin Donough, 19, heard about period poverty from La’iqah and did some research about it. He was so moved by the challenges faced by girls and women who cannot afford to buy menstrual pads, that he was inspired to write a poem about it.

On Friday November 29, The Young and the Hopeful will host a fund-raiser, which is a Kinders van die Ses production, called Insha Allah my man Makka toe sal jy gaan, at the Dulcie September Civic Centre. Tickets, at R150 each, are available from La’iqah. Call 063 430 7691.

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Teen on a mission to end period poverty