The Bulletin is proud to shine a light on Menzy, a remarkable non-profit organisation founded by Zandramé and her partner, Anita, dedicated to transforming how young girls experience puberty.

In a world where open conversations about menstruation are often steeped in embarrassment and stigma, Menzy steps forward as a beacon of education, support, and empowerment. Zandramé shares that their core mission is to fight the societal taboo surrounding a girl’s first period and the entire female cycle, ensuring girls receive accurate, loving, and factual information.

“We want to break that chain,” explains Zandramé, highlighting the prevalent lack of information in many households, be it single-parent families, those led by grandparents with outdated views, or cultures where such topics are simply not discussed. This void often leaves girls feeling confused, ashamed, or resorting to unhygienic practices—a heartbreaking reality that Menzy is determined to change. Zandramé noted a particularly distressing discovery during their journey: girls in impoverished communities often use rags and other unsuitable materials from dumping sites as sanitary products due to a lack of access to proper resources, leading to significant health risks.

Menzy’s approach is multi-faceted. They visit schools to provide essential education, helping girls understand the biological changes they are experiencing and fostering a sense of pride in womanhood rather than shame. Beyond education, Menzy offers tangible support through two key initiatives:

1. The “Starter Pack”: These goodie bags are distributed to girls in need, containing basic necessities such as sanitary pads, soap, washcloths, deodorant, and a small treat like a lollipop, alongside an informative pamphlet. These packs are designed to offer immediate practical help and reinforce the educational messages.
2. The “Menzy Box”: Available for purchase, these boxes serve a dual purpose: generating vital funds for Menzy’s projects and acting as a powerful conversation starter for mothers and daughters. Each Menzy Box contains a more comprehensive selection of items, including a pack of pads, panty liners, a sensitive soap, and chocolate (deemed the most important item!), hygienic wipes, a discreet pouch, and even a microwavable heating pad for period cramps. Crucially, every box comes with a detailed pamphlet, making it easier for parents to discuss these sensitive topics and for girls to reference information whenever needed.

The name “Menzy” itself embodies their goal, with Menzy serving as their mascot – a relatable character who young girls can confide in, even anonymously. This accessibility ensures that no girl feels alone in navigating the challenges of puberty.

Zandramé passionately emphasises that by equipping girls with proper hygiene products and knowledge, Menzy also plays a crucial role in reducing school absenteeism. “It’s easier for them to stay away from school than to go through this whole process at school,” she states, pointing out how discomfort, lack of resources, and even teasing from peers can disrupt a girl’s education.

Menzy is more than just an organisation; it’s a movement towards empowering the next generation of women. The funds raised through the sale of Menzy Boxes directly support their efforts to reach more girls and ensure they can approach puberty with dignity and confidence.

To learn more about Menzy, how you can purchase a Menzy Box, or contribute to their invaluable work, please see the contact details below. Let’s join Zandramé and Anita in making a lasting difference in the lives of young girls.