Azana Shares Her Own Childhood Struggle With Period Poverty 

South African singer and songwriter Azana has opened up about her personal experience with period poverty, revealing that she once had to make her own sanitary pads because she could not afford to buy them.

The singer, who is currently one of the Top 24 contestants in the Miss South Africa 2026 competition, shared the emotional story on her Instagram Story while highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by young girls who struggle to access menstrual hygiene products.

Azana explained that her experience with period poverty began when she was younger and could not afford sanitary pads. Instead of having access to the menstrual products many girls need every month, she had to find creative ways to manage her periods and avoid leakage while going about her daily life.

“I learned how to make my own pads when I was younger. So whenever I didn’t have pads because pads were very costly I would make my own pads from socks, where I take an old sock and stuff it with material inside to ensure that I avoid leakage throughout the day and I would carry these socks that have filled with fabrics and things inside so that I can change them during the day. Of course, there was going to be spillage sometimes and I realised that actually a lot of school girls are actually going through that right now. I know that isn’t a unique experience and then I did my research and found out that 30% of girls within South Africa miss school every month due to the fact that they don’t have pads.”

Her story sheds light on the reality that period poverty is not an isolated experience, with many young girls facing difficult choices when they cannot access essential menstrual hygiene products.

Azana shared the message in a joint Instagram post with The Makhosazana Foundation, which she is the founder of. Through the foundation, the singer continues to use her platform to bring attention to issues affecting young girls and women.

In the caption of her post, Azana further highlighted the impact that period poverty can have on education, confidence and the future of young learners.

“ Period poverty remains one of the most significant yet often overlooked barriers to education in South Africa.
Current estimates indicate that approximately one in four girls miss school because they are unable to access essential menstrual hygiene products. The absence of something as fundamental as a sanitary pad can result in lost learning opportunities, diminished confidence, and unequal educational outcomes.
Every girl deserves the opportunity to attend school with dignity, confidence, and the resources she needs to reach her full potential. By expanding access to menstrual hygiene products, strengthening school-based support initiatives, and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation, we can ensure that no learner is left behind.”

By speaking openly about her own childhood experience, Azana has brought a deeply personal perspective to the wider conversation around period poverty. Her story also highlights how a lack of access to sanitary products can affect girls beyond their menstrual health, potentially disrupting their education and confidence.

As she continues her journey as one of the Top 24 contestants in the Miss South Africa 2026 competition, Azana is also using her voice to advocate for change and encourage greater awareness around an issue that continues to affect girls across the country.