Fashion designer Ngugi Vere Hosts Pride and Dignity Girl’s Campaign
Ngugi Vere
The Southernlive-Fashion designer Ngugi Vere, popularly known as King Bold in fashion circles, hosted a Pride and Dignity girl’s campaign (PADgirls) in Mpumalanga yesterday, where hundreds of girls received reusable pads and warm winter provisions.
The campaign took place at Madlayedwa Senior Secondary School and was attended by almost 250 girls, as well as women from the community.
In an interview Vere highlighted that his aim is to restore the pride and dignity lost in rural communities through the lack of menstrual provisions.
“I decided to start this movement in 2016 after learning about the challenges faced by girls and women in rural communities during their menstrual periods. Some were using newspapers, ashes, and cow dung, which deeply touched my heart. Thinking of the discomfort and pain these girls experienced, and how some even missed school for five to seven days, I knew I had to do something about it,” said Vere.
The 39-year-old, who is also a celebrity stylist and creative director of fashion events, emphasized the need for men to take part in making a difference in the lives of young girls, especially those in underprivileged rural communities. He pointed out that in his campaign; it is mostly women who lend a hand.
“We teach girls how to use sanitary wear, how to dispose of them, and how to maintain a hygienic menstrual routine. When we return to these places, I ask them to teach us what we taught them, and it fills my heart with joy to see that they pay attention and take their hygiene seriously,” added Vere.
During the campaign, the girls also received socks, woolen hats, green soap, and toothbrushes.
Vere mentioned that knowing he has put a smile on someone’s face gives him the energy to do more and move forward.
“Honestly, every time I visit rural schools, it is a successful and memorable moment when I see happy faces and smiles. When we gather with the girls and they start telling me their stories and dreams, it truly captures my efforts and desires to see them grow into powerful and successful women. Watching them sing for me and express their gratitude is amazing,” remarked Vere.
When asked about balancing his roles as a creative genius and campaign organizer, he emphasized that his love for making a difference in the world is his main motivation.https://thesouthernlive.com/
“It may seem like a lot of responsibility, but my passion is what drives me. It feels good to do what I do, and I give it my best effort. Fashion and the PADgirls campaign are both fuelled by passion and God-given gifts and mandates. I always find ways to make it work, or we could say that God always makes it work without straining me,” said Vere.
The campaign has helped more than 5600 girls in Zimbabwe and South Africa and hopes to expand and reach other African countries.
The story of menstrual hygiene should be taken seriously because when girls have access to menstrual provisions such as sanitary wear; it saves them from health risks such as urinary tract infections, which can result in infertility, as well as psychological stress, shame, or depression.
