JOHANNESBURG – South Africa is celebrating the 70th anniversary of Women’s Month under the theme “Empowered Women Empower the Nation.”
As part of the celebrations, Banyana Banyana has unlocked 5,000 sanitary pads through the Goals 4 Pads campaign, bringing direct support to schools, football academies and community organisations across the country.
The milestone represents five goals scored across Banyana Banyana’s group stage matches at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and their earlier international fixture against Japan.
Under the campaign, every goal scored by Banyana Banyana triggers a donation of 1,000 sanitary pads to help address period poverty among young girls in South Africa.
Goals 4 Pads: The five goals that will change lives
One goal came before WAFCON—a historic moment in June—with four more added during the tournament.
June breakthrough
On June 9, 2026, Banyana made international history at J-Green Sakai in Osaka, Japan, when Linda Motlhalo’s header secured a 1-0 victory over Japan—the first African team ever to achieve this feat.
This goal unlocked the first 1,000 pads of the campaign, setting the Goals 4 Pads initiative in motion.
WAFCON Group Stage (July 27 – August 4, 2026)
Four critical group stage goals followed, with goalscorers delivering both performance and impact:
- July 27 vs. Tanzania (Loss 2-1)
Bambanani Mbane scored in the first-half added time, igniting Banyana’s response in a challenging opening match. [1,000 pads unlocked] - July 31 vs. Ivory Coast (Draw 2-2)
Thembi Kgatlana hammered home a vital strike to ignite a dramatic comeback, followed by Hildah Magaia’s late clutch volley—a brace of goals that salvaged a crucial point and kept Banyana’s tournament hopes alive. [2,000 pads unlocked] - August 4 vs. Burkina Faso (Win 1-0)
Thembi Kgatlana struck again with a decisive 21st-minute match-winner, securing the victory that booked South Africa’s place in the knockout phase. [1,000 pads unlocked]
TOTAL: 5,000 sanitary pads reached young girls across South Africa through these five historic goals.
Kenvue: Goals 4 Pads extends sport’s social impact
Speaking during Women’s Month, Kelly Johnson, Head of Essential and Skin Health at Kenvue Sub-Saharan Africa, said the campaign continues to demonstrate how sport can drive meaningful social impact.
“Banyana Banyana continues to inspire the nation with every performance, and every goal they score is creating a lasting legacy for young girls across South Africa.
“Reaching 5,000 packs through Goals 4 Pads is an incredible milestone because it shows that sporting success can translate directly into opportunities for future generations.
“During Women’s Month, we celebrate women who continue to break barriers, and Banyana Banyana embodies that spirit.
“Through this partnership, we’re extending access to the same trusted protection and technology that supports South Africa’s national team. We’re helping young players approach every training session and every match with greater confidence and freedom.”
Women’s Month puts girls’ empowerment in focus
As Women’s Month celebrates the theme “Empowered Women Empower the Nation,” Goals 4 Pads embodies this message at the intersection of sport, health equity, and girls’ empowerment.
Research shows that up to 50% of teenage girls discontinue sport participation due to menstrual-related challenges, including stigma, fear of leaks, and lack of access to appropriate sanitary products.
By transforming every goal into direct support, the campaign aims to help remove some of the barriers young girls face in sport and education.
Coach Desiree Ellis has also emphasised throughout WAFCON that this tournament carries meaning far beyond the pitch.
The team’s recent sendoff to Morocco captured the nation’s support as Banyana prepare for knockout football.
Banyana Banyana face Morocco in crucial WAFCON Quarterfinal
Banyana Banyana returns to action Saturday, August 8, at 22:00 SA time.
The 2022 African champions face tournament hosts Morocco in a WAFCON quarterfinal at Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
This is not a group stage match. This is a World Cup qualifier.
A victory will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while also sending Banyana into the WAFCON semi-finals.
Every goal scored in this game will add another 1,000 sanitary pads to the campaign total, extending the impact beyond the group stage into knockout football.
The Goals 4 Pads vision
The campaign is powered by Stayfree’s 8-Hour LeakLock Technology and supported by Kenvue Sub-Saharan Africa, SAFA, and Banyana Banyana.
The initiative de-stigmatises menstruation by positioning sanitary products as part of the elite female athlete’s toolkit, alongside boots, training gear and performance nutrition.
Beneficiaries are nominated by players, fans, coaches, schools and community organisations, helping ensure that every goal can translate into grassroots support.
Full Media Release: Click here for the full Banyana Banyana Goals 4 Pads Women’s Month media release.
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