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This International Women’s History Month, we are celebrating extraordinary women leading transformative change. Among them is Candice Chirwa, a fearless advocate dedicated to reshaping menstrual health education and breaking societal taboos across Africa.
Hailing from South Africa, Candice Chirwa is on a mission to revolutionise how we think about periods. As an award-winning menstrual health advocate, educator, and thought leader, she has dedicated her work to breaking down taboos and equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to embrace their menstrual health.
At the heart of her impact is Qrate, an organisation she founded to educate and empower young people through engaging and youth-driven menstrual health initiatives. By merging academic research with real-world action, Candice has helped thousands of young people in South Africa challenge misinformation and stigma surrounding menstruation.
Breaking Taboos and Inspiring Change
Candice’s work goes beyond just education—she is actively challenging outdated norms and reshaping the narrative around menstrual health in Africa. Some of her most impactful initiatives include:
Dads for Pads Campaign: A groundbreaking collaboration with Lobengula Advertising that calls on fathers, uncles, and brothers to actively support the menstruators in their lives. This initiative has been instrumental in breaking gendered barriers and fostering open conversations about menstrual health.
Menstrual Health Workshops: In partnership with Engen, Ford and others, Candice is leading impactful workshops across the country in schools, where participants receive menstrual health education and essential kits, including reusable pads, hot water bottles, and personal period diaries. These resources not only provided practical support but also reinforced the message that periods are normal and should be talked about openly.
Menstruation Station Book: In 2023, Candice published Menstruation Station, a book designed to inspire, empower, and educate the next generation about menstrual health. A project that had been in the works since 2018, the book reinforces the idea that talking about periods should be normalised and that menstruators should feel proud and informed.
A Trailblazer Changing the Narrative
Candice Chirwa is who we call "that girl!" She has taken a topic often seen as taboo and transformed it into a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Through public speaking, workshops, and her writing, she is making menstrual health accessible, engaging, and impactful.
Her work is not only about education—it is about changing societal perceptions of what it means to be a Black African woman. By standing boldly in spaces where menstrual health is often ignored, she is inspiring young people to be unafraid, informed, and empowered.
To learn more about Candice Chirwa’s work and Qrate, visit:
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