Capricorn Group and its employees, known as Changemakers, marked the day by donating sanitary pads to young girls from orphanages and vulnerable communities in Windhoek and volunteering their time to spend an afternoon with them, engaging in fun and educational activities. This initiative, part of the Group's "Dignity for Every Girl" initiative, addresses period poverty, a critical issue that often keeps girls out of school and negatively impacts their self-esteem.
Through this event, the Capricorn Group made a significant contribution to aiding vulnerable girls by collecting a total of 2490 packs of sanitary pads. Of these, 1050 packs were contributed by employees of the Capricorn Group, and Wutow Trading, in collaboration with the Kotex brand, sponsored another 1440 packs. Out of the total, 1680 packs were allocated to 70 girls, providing them with a year's supply of sanitary products, including 24 packs of sanitary pads, one pack of reusable sanitary pads and a motivational booklet by the DEAR Girl Programme, a beneficiary of the Capricorn Foundation.
Imago Dei, Capricorn Group's vulnerability initiative partner, will distribute the remaining 810 packs of pads to other vulnerable communities, ensuring an additional 33 girls will also receive a year's supply. This effort highlights the Group's commitment to extending its reach and impact on the community through thoughtful and generous donations.
"Wutow Trading, in conjunction with our client Kimberly-Clark and the Kotex brand, is delighted to have been part of this initiative. Our group's focus on Youth and their education aligns with our greater efforts to ensure that young girls have access to essential resources, allowing them to stay in school, focus on their studies, and reach their full potential," said Karin Mouton from Wutow Trading.
Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products and the necessary education on how to use them. By providing these essential items, Capricorn Group is restoring the dignity of young girls and raising awareness of their daily struggles. Employees from Capricorn Group, Bank Windhoek, and Capricorn Asset Management came together to purchase sanitary pads, ensuring that the girls also received reusable pads that last up to five years.
Marlize Horn, Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer and Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation, emphasised the importance of the initiative: "Research shows that the lack of access to proper feminine hygiene products significantly impacts the dignity and education of underprivileged girls. Capricorn Group is committed to supporting projects that meet the basic needs of vulnerable communities, especially the youth. By encouraging our employees to contribute, we address period poverty and empower young girls to stay in school and build a brighter future."
The handover event was a heartwarming occasion filled with fun activities, a shared meal, and an inspirational talk by Justine Andreas and Tuwilika Andreas, the founders of DEAR Girl Namibia. DEAR (Daring Eagle Attaining Results) Girl Namibia, a long-standing partner of the Capricorn Foundation, focuses on empowering Namibian girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Capricorn Group continues to establish itself as a Connector of Positive Change within Namibian communities through its Changemaker programme. Employees remain committed to finding meaningful ways to make a difference and support the nation's social welfare.
