Our Project
Breaking Menstrual Barriers to Education in Botswana
In the communities of Tsetsebjwe and Moletemane, one of those most persistent barriers to girls attending school on a regular basis, has been access to menstrual health resources. We believe firmly that a natural biological process should never dictate a girl's future or her right to learn.
The April 30th Milestone
On April 30, 2026, a transformative step was taken to address menstrual health challenges and restore dignity among school-going girls. Through collaborative efforts, reusable Palesa Pads were donated to girls at Moletemane and Tsetsebjwe schools.
As School Head, Ms. Ndawanyana, perfectly articulated during the handover:
"Menstrual health should never be a barrier to education. This initiative ensures that girls have access to safe sanitary products and reliable information so they can focus on their studies and participate fully in school life".
Investing in Long-Term, Sustainable Solutions
At the Lauder Family Foundation, we are committed to solutions that create a lasting ripple effect. This initiative goes far beyond a temporary handout.
● Longevity and Reliability: The Palesa Pads provided are highly durable, user-friendly, and designed to last up to five years.
● Empowerment Through Education: Representatives from Palesa Pads South Africa—Sherie de Wet, Simphiwe Mahlangu, and Nokwazi Masondo—were on the ground to conduct vital educational tutorials.
● Comprehensive Care: These tutorials focused on the proper use and care of the pads, providing students with the knowledge to manage their health confidently and safely.
The Outcome: Restoring Dignity and Eliminating Stigma
This initiative is critical in addressing period stigma, a challenge that continues to affect the confidence and school participation of many girls. By equipping these students with sustainable resources and reliable information, we are doing more than just keeping them in the classroom.
We are restoring their dignity, eliminating the stigma surrounding menstruation, and enabling them to participate fully in school life.
When we remove the barriers to a girl's education, she gains the power to build the future she chooses.
About Botswana
The Republic of Botswana is a flat landlocked country in Southern Africa, with some 70% of its territory being a part of the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. With a population of slightly over 2.4 million people and a comparable land area to France, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
As part of the decolonisation of Africa, Botswana achieved independence on 30 September 1966. Since then, it has been a parliamentary republic with a consistent record of uninterrupted democratic elections. As of 2024, according to Transparency International, Botswana is the least corrupt country in mainland Africa .
Once among the world’s poorest nations, well-managed diamond wealth improved its economy and people’s living conditions and it is now considered an upper-middle-income country (UMIC). However, the collapse of diamond prices over the last decade or so, revealed deep structural issues within the economy which, combined with a young population (thirty percent under the age of 15), have contributed to high poverty and inequality levels, particularly in the rural areas. In 2023, extreme poverty stood at 13.5%, and unemployment at 27.6%, much higher rates than its peers.
The government offers free basic education and is committed to reducing the barriers to girls attending and succeeding in schools. However, in practice, there is limited funding available, particularly in rural areas, and dropout rates due to pregnancy remain high,and traditional patriarchal social norms mitigating against regular school attendance by girls.
About our Partner: Motse Community
Operating in the Tuli Block, in the southern part of Botswana on the Limpopo River border with South Africa, the non-profit Motse Community organization, offers support to local communities with a focus on education, health and economic empowerment. The Motse Community, with the support of Limpopo Lipadi Wildlife and Wilderness Reserve staff, works directly with leaders in the Tsetsebjwe (population 5750) and Moletemane (population 2250) villages. Examples of projects include: providing school uniforms, constructing and furnishing a school library, rebuilding parts of the health clinic and providing a range of health equipment, including such items as baby fetal heart monitors. Whenever possible, the efforts of local villagers are mobilized in support of the various projects e.g., local seamstresses make the uniforms and local builders provide the construction expertise.