WAFCON: Banyana Banyana turn goals into sanitary pads for girls in South Africa | OneFootball

In June, Banyana Banyana partnered with StayFree to launch the Goals4Pads initiative, whereby every goal scored equaled 1,000 sanitary pads delivered to girls in South Africa.

The initiative revolved around using women’s football as a tool to challenge one of the biggest barriers for aspiring players in Africa — period poverty.

Research has shown that up to half of teenage girls discontinue sport participation due to menstrual-related challenges. These challenges can range from interfering symptoms, stigma, fear of leaks, and lack of access to sanitary products.

The initiative was officially launched following South Africa’s 1-0 victory over Japan on June 17, with the first 1,000 pads allocated to two premier South African sports schools.

“Imagine now if you’re trying to become a professional. Imagine now if you’re trying to compete at the highest level and you have to worry about the menstrual cycle on a monthly basis, not being able to afford it or use the right products,” said Dawn Lubisi, SAFA Head of Women’s Football.

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month and reflects on the legacy of the historic 1956 Women’s March, under the theme ‘Empowered Women Empower The Nation’, girls in South Africa have rejoiced following the conclusion of WAFCON.

A rollercoaster finish to the tournament saw Banyana Banyana bow out in the quarter-finals against hosts Morocco, before a spirited 2-1 victory against Nigeria in the second-chance play-off encounter.

The team scored in each of their WAFCON clashes, meaning each game represented something much bigger. It offered a beacon of hope for girls back home who would be receiving something so simple, yet life-changing.

How many goals did South Africa score in WAFCON?

Throughout the tournament, South Africa bagged eight goals, meaning a total of 8,000 packs of sanitary pads will be distributed to girls back home.

The latest two goals came in the side’s 2-1 victory over Nigeria on August 13. The result took the campaign total from 6,000 to 8,000 packs, with Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane finding the net in Casablanca.

Kelly Johnson, Head of Essential and Skin Health at Kenvue Sub-Sahara Africa, acknowledges how football and social change can work hand-in-hand.

She said: “Banyana Banyana have once again shown us what resilience, determination and belief look like. While the result against Morocco was not what the team or the nation hoped for, their journey has given us so many moments to celebrate. 

“Eight goals means 8,000 packs, but the impact goes far beyond that number. Every pack represents an opportunity for a young girl to feel confident, protected and able to focus on what she loves. During Women’s Month, we are proud to celebrate Banyana Banyana not only for what they achieve on the field, but for the example they continue to set for the next generation.”

StayFree says the partnership is intended to help girls attend training, play matches and continue pursuing their sporting ambitions without their periods becoming a reason to stop.

How can South Africa qualify for the Women’s World Cup?

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As Banyana Banyana now turn their attention towards qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Johnson insists they will continue to ‘stand behind’ the side and celebrate every goal for the impact they are having.

The final step for the side to reach the World Cup in Brazil is the Inter-Confederation Play-Off Tournament. Spanning over November and December, South Africa will face-off in a six-team preliminary group stage at a neutral venue.

They will feature against fellow African side Ghana, two Asian teams, one side from Oceania, and one from South America. Successful teams will then advance to a knockout final stage in February 2027.

For head coach Dr Desiree Ellis, the partnership with StayFree has given the team a deeper purpose as they set their sights on another major tournament appearance.

“This isn’t just a sponsorship. We’re not only playing to win matches anymore. Every goal can help a young girl who may otherwise miss school or sport because she doesn’t have access to sanitary pads,” she said.

“We’re scoring goals to make that difference for the younger child out there. This is going to make a huge difference, not just where we come from, but countrywide. We all come from communities and we all want to give back. There’s a meaningful way for that young girl to now start dreaming.”

For StayFree and Banyana Banyana, the commitment remains clear. Every South African goal is not just an on-pitch celebration, but a message of hope and opportunity for the next generation.

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