Former State Youth Ambassador Launches Back-to-School Campaign for Teen Girls
Former National Development Plan (NDP) Youth Ambassador and advocate for education, Bathabile Moreki, is currently spearheading an innovative campaign aimed at empowering teen girls.
According to Bathabile, the Scent of Confidence initiative is dedicated to equipping young women with the tools they need to build confidence, address the stigma around menstruation, and ensure dignity and access to education.
“Many young girls face significant challenges during adolescence, from the stigma surrounding menstruation to a lack of access to basic hygiene products like sanitary towels. This campaign is about more than resources, it’s about empowering our future leaders to thrive with confidence and dignity. When you look good and smell good, you feel good, and that confidence sets the tone for success in the classroom.”
“The educational landscape in South Africa remains fraught with challenges, particularly for young girls from underserved communities. Studies show that menstrual health management issues result in absenteeism, with many girls missing school due to a lack of access to sanitary products. This absenteeism negatively affects their academic performance and increases dropout rates. Equally significant is the importance of self-presentation,” she said.
Bathabile added that the campaign combines beauty with purpose by offering free sanitary towels and perfumes with every purchase of a perfume targeted at teens.
“When girls feel good about themselves—when they are confident in how they look and how they smell—they can focus fully on their education. This campaign is about more than just distributing products; it’s about restoring dignity, fostering confidence, and setting these young girls up for success.”
Bathabile believes that addressing challenges like menstrual health and self-esteem is integral to achieving educational equality. “Every contribution, no matter how small, can change a life. Together, we can ensure that every girl in South Africa has the confidence and tools to succeed.”
Anyone who wishes to contribute or donate can contact 074 461 9084.
