Leading South African women on the programme for Subz Spring Fling High Tea:
Subz Pants and Pads has been founded on an ethos of female empowerment which is why two leading social activists – Jo-Ann Barnwell and Pam le Noury – will be taking centre stage at the inaugural Subz Spring Fling High Tea fundraiser, taking place at Kloof Country Club on Wednesday, 5 September.
“The Subz Spring Fling High Tea is a chance to relax, enjoy a fun morning of quality eats in a beautiful setting while engaging with other dynamic people,” said Sue Barnes, founder of Subz Pants and Pads, and its NGO extension, Project Dignity. “We are really honoured to be welcoming two leading South African women to the High Tea programme, marine conservationist – Pam le Noury – as guest speaker, and Subz ambassador, Jo-Ann Barnwell as MC. Subz is about empowering young women through dignity while also promoting environmental sustainability. These two women will demonstrate how this can be achieved through Project Dignity.”
uMhlanga’s Jo-Ann Barnwell boasts some remarkable achievements. She’s a national ballroom dancer, professional chef, successful restaurateur, Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa finalist and the ambassador for Subz Pants and Pads and Project Dignity…and she will be bringing her enthusiasm and passion to the Subz Spring Fling High Tea.
Jo-Ann’s connection with Subz started when she entered the Tammy Taylor Mrs South Africa contest, as she wanted to use this platform to bring about awareness for a particular cause. After accompanying Sue Barnes on an activation at a local school, Jo-Ann was completely committed to helping wherever she could.
“I never knew how big an issue this was,” recalled Jo-Ann. “We often live in our little bubble and don’t realise the bigger problems around us. When I learnt about Subz Pants and Pads, I couldn’t believe how remarkable it was that there is this reusable sanitary product which works so well.”
As a Subz ambassador, Jo-Ann participates in the activations, motivating and connecting with the young women at schools.
“I’ve learnt so much and grown emotionally through this role,” she continued. “I really believe that those attending the High Tea event will realise how big the problem of sanitary access is, and their support for this event is going to make such an impact on young lives. If you have the chance to change, even one life, wouldn’t you take it?”
High Tea guests will also have the privilege of listening to an inspiring talk by Pam le Noury. A marine scientist, PADI dive instructor, zodiac skipper, sailor and committed ocean conservationist, Pam will enthral guests at the High Tea with her talk entitled ‘Ocean Conservation’.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work with Subz and create more awareness about the importance of sustainable options. The work Subz is doing really resonates with me – they’re directly addressing the issue of managing waste creation,” said Pam.
According to a 2018 report by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) on ocean pollution, there are 150 million tonnes of plastics in the ocean today. If we are to continue on this trajectory, the ocean will contain 1 tonne of plastic for every 3 tonnes of fish by 2025, and by 2050, the oceans may have more plastics than fish (by weight).
Some facts to consider:
• 70 to 130 000 tonnes of microplastics enter the ocean per year.
• 150 to 500 000 tonnes of macroplastics enter the ocean per year.
• 1 tonne of plastic for every 3 tonnes of fish.
• Fishing line – takes 600 years to decompose.
• Plastic cup – takes 50 years to decompose.
• Plastic bag – takes 20 years to decompose.
• 700 marine species threatened by plastic.
Adding to this growing problem is the issue of non-recyclable sanitary products. It’s estimated that one tampon or sanitary pad takes 500 years to decompose, and one woman will use approximately 9 600 of sanitary pads or tampons in her life. Multiply this by the billions of women using them annually, and it’s evident why reusable sanitary pads, such as Subz Pants and Pads, are a responsible option.
Alongside this informative talk, there will be lots of fun raffles and giveaways throughout the Subz Spring Fling High Tea. The tickets are R275 per person. To book your place, email brenda@subzpads by Friday, 31 August. If possible, please bring a pack of girls’ panties (ages 13 to 14 and up) to donate on the day.
Project Dignity offers companies and individuals with many opportunities to support the #menstruationmatters campaign by donating reusable Subz Pants and Pads to those in need. Visit the website www.projectdignity.org.za for more information about the work being done to help uplift and empower South African girls.
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