THE Vee Van Heerden Foundation donated sanitary towels to blind and deaf women and girls in Sasolburg, Free State on Friday, 4 November.
Vee Van Heerden told Daily Sun blind women face many challenges.
“The painful part is that they are being sexually abused by families and neighbours and reporting cases is more difficult. Buying sanitary towels is worse as most don’t have anyone to help make sure they have sanitary towels,” said Vee.
“Girls with intellectual and development impairment may need accessible and easy-to-read material tailored to support them to communicate about pain, their needs and to learn about menstrual health and hygiene.
“The foundation has the mandate to care for the blind and deaf people and will host programmes to help disabled communities.”
She said her foundation also supports Tebello Blind Association to develop and deliver training in collaboration with organisations of people living with disabilities.
Tebello Monoto (48), founder of Tebello Blind Association, said her association is helping girls and women with menstrual hygiene management.
“We also do early intervention and support blind young girls on womanhood, how to care for their bodies and safety and protection,” she said.
“The association helps blind people open rape cases as they are often asked if they can point their rapists,” she said.
