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The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) donated over 1067 sanitary pads to the University of the Western Cape’s SRC, as part of the ongoing Social Makeover Project (SMP).

The SMP is an initiative of the Office of the Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, in partnership with Old Mutual, and the Imbalie Group.

The project targeted 20 women from Mitchell's Plain who are not in employment, education or training (neets), seeking to transform their lives and futures. These 20 women have completed an intensive 10 week personal development and empowerment programme.

In addition the young women also completed a highly acclaimed course in nail therapy run by Imbalie Training Academy. The SMP then places these women in permanent employment in areas best suited for each woman.

The sanitary pads were donated to the department for distribution purposes by the Dischem group, courtesy of its national Million Comforts initiative.

The department places great emphasis on the protection, development and empowerment of women in the province. Through our various programmes, just over R566-million is allocated in the 2016/17 financial year to provide restorative services and support programmes, including victim empowerment services.

The SMP sessions continued today with a seminar on menstrual health and community development techniques. The SMP sessions conclude tomorrow, and then all participants get placed in the various job opportunities, including the departments Extended Public Works Programme.

Issued by Department of Social Development Western Cape