Empowering women through Elle Cups

Mariselle StofbergAlexander Forbes donated 200 Elle Cups to the value of N$80 000 and pledged to donate N$5 000 a month over the next 12 months to the Lidar Foundation in Windhoek. The Lidar Foundation is a centre in Katutura that was created by Serley Khaxas in August 2017. The foundation works with three different groups of girls in the community, which includes primary and high school girls and young mothers and their babies.Khaxas is the executive director of Lidar Foundation and is extremely grateful for the assistance and help they have received thus far. “We received something special today and this is something we need to cherish every day. This will help us to keep girls in school and will help girls to be more hygienic.”Khaxas further believes the monetary donation will enable the centre to continue with their projects and programmes. “Companies like Alexander Forbes provide us with the means necessary to continue our good work in the community to empower girls. We are able to continue with our skills development and provide a platform for girls and young mothers to enter the workforce.”Alexander Forbes believes that by supporting and partnering with foundations like Lidar they can help to educate and empower young women in Namibia. “Without access to sustainable menstrual hygiene supplies, facilities and support, girls are vulnerable to all sorts of health issues, which further contributes to girls being prone to school absenteeism. Many young girls don’t go to school while they are menstruating, because they feel ashamed and embarrassed. This cup is reusable and can help not only to save money, but to assist those who are not able to afford pads or tampons,” said Erika Reissner, the marketing manager at Alexander Forbs. Florence Gases (18) is one of the girls at the centre who received an Elle Cup at the handover ceremony. “I have never seen something like this before and this product will enable me to save so much money I would have spent on pads and tampons. I can use this cup for years to come and that is simply amazing,” she said.Reissner believes the donation will play an important role in helping to keep girls in school, enabling them to receive an education. “We believe young women should remember they have value and they should start to believe themselves. We are looking for young, educated leaders in all industries and we believe by providing this we are able to keep girls in school.”Reissner advises girls that are a part of the Lidar Foundation to use the opportunities provided to become independent and empowered. “Don’t miss classes, be punctual and disciplined, be hungry for information and read up on matters; inform yourself, make the best person out of yourself with the resources that this foundation offers to you, until you are self-sufficient. Skills are so important and empower yourself to be one of the up-and-coming leaders of Namibia.”

Empowering women through Elle Cups

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

Please login to leave a comment

Empowering women through Elle Cups

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

Please login to leave a comment

Login