Our Story
While visiting a Rhino reserve in South Africa, I met a wonderful woman who not only cares and protects the rhino’s but is very involved with the local schools. She shared with me her passion for the children to ensure they receive the education they so much deserve. She was kind enough to take me to a school. While there I questioned why so many of the young girls seemed older than the young boys? I learned that many young girls take longer to complete their schooling or drop out of school once they begin to menstruate as they are considered “unclean”.
Jessie Newton - Founder
Our Why.
In December of 2021, the idea to create a non-profit was conceptualized, but not made whole. Jessie had a desire to help, to make a difference in the world but was unsure how. So she put out the intention, registered the non-profit, set aside funding that was originally reserved to open a nonprofit after retirement to be utilized now, recognizing that the need was in the present, not the future. This inspiration came on what was supposed to be an adventure holiday to South Africa with her husband K.C., where she learned of the needs of the young women.
Why a non-profit?
Creating a nonprofit enabled us to think of our overall purpose in life or business. With a monetary donation, you can support your favorite nonprofit organization and ensure that much-needed programs are stabilized or expanded. Bonus that once you have donated to our IRS-approved nonprofit organization, your donation is tax-deductible.
Why girls in Africa?
Chatting with Jacqueline Burger, the co-owner of Iwamanzi, a Rhino Reserve and Hunting Lodge with her husband, Stan, a few hours outside of Johannesburg, the lives of the girls in Africa became apparent. It was a strange sight, visiting the local schools and hearing that the girls can not come to school on their monthly cycle due to money and ability. When a girl is on her period, she is considered “unclean” and is usually forced to miss critical school time during her monthly flow, therefore missing around one quarter of the school year from the moment she reaches puberty. This large gap in time spent in school each month means they are not given the same amount of time to study and learn compared to the boys, which often means it takes them longer to earn an education or the girls have no choice but to drop out of school.
Why period poverty?
Every woman has experienced the horror of beginning their period and not having a pad or tampon on hand, usually resulting in asking a favor from a friend or making one in the bathroom stall next to them, but in South Africa, women and girls do not have ready access to such products. Hence the term: period poverty, a lack of access, and as the term poverty suggests: not being able to meet such a basic need.
Why Education Regarding Period Pads/Cups?
Girls in South Africa are in need of reliable period products that they can learn to use. Talking about menstruation can often be taboo, leaving young women to be unaware of how to properly take care of their monthly flow. The term “on the rag” is still a daily struggle in these communities, girls use rags to staunch their flow every month. Through the use of reusable pads, tampons and menstrual cups local women can teach the girls how to properly apply the item at a local community center. The goal is to not only support the non profits who run the community centers but to also help women living in squatter housing (this is what the locals call their neighborhoods) to make a life for themselves and earn a living educating other girls on how to use the materials given through donations. With an education and supplementation of reusable period pads and/or cups, local women can help the younger generation, who will then teach each other. In order to end the stigma around periods, women need to communicate how to properly handle being on one, through seminars at local community centers, local women can do just that.
What’s the Cost?
By utilizing local community centers, we are able to support other nonprofits and support local women in Africa. For just $5,000 we are able to educate 250 girls and give them the supplies they need (lasting 3-5 years) to deal with their time of the month and provide opportunities for them to be able to bring others to this class or to show other girls themselves.
In more urban areas, reusable period cups can be provided as a sustainable measure to allow women to have autonomy over their bodies and their natural functions. But no matter the method, the girls and women of South Africa are in need of period supplies in order to end period poverty.
How can you help?
Yes You Can is currently accepting donations on our website by clicking “donate” at the bottom of our homepage. We also have our 1st annual fundraising event coming up, May 12th, 2023 in Charleston (Mount Pleasant), South Carolina . If you would like to donate your time as well as funds, please email us . Yes, you can save the Rhinos, yes, you can help end period poverty.