Merebank-born humanitarian, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor Roshni Naicker has once again been recognised for her inspirational community work, having been nominated for the Influential Women and Men Award for the second consecutive year.
Personally contacted by awards founder Pinkie Mothie, Naicker said she was humbled to be selected once more. “It is a privilege to receive this award celebrating the women in our community for the work we do. I am especially grateful, as this platform helps raise public awareness for my organisation, Save the Dignity of Our School Girls,” she said.
Naicker is the founder of the non-profit organisation (NPO), which supplies free sanitary pads to schoolgirls in and around Merebank—an initiative she launched in February 2021 after a schoolgirl was forced to return home due to not having access to menstrual products. Deeply moved by the situation, Naicker sprang into action. “I immediately put out a message to friends and family, and my first distribution was to Alipore Primary and Ganges Secondary in Merebank,” she recalled.
Since then, her NPO has grown steadily, despite the challenges of limited resources. “The biggest hurdle has been the lack of donations, which makes it hard to reach all the schools we want to help,” she explained. To bridge this gap, Naicker organises fundraisers like bus trips and awareness drives at shopping centres.
Her day-to-day responsibilities are vast and deeply rooted in compassion. In addition to providing sanitary pads, she’s often approached by community members for food hampers, clothing, and even a simple loaf of bread. Recently, she partnered with Darling’s Bakery to launch a birthday cake drive, bringing joy to children whose parents are unemployed.
Despite the many demands, it’s the feedback from the girls themselves that fuels her drive. “I put stickers with my contact details on the packs and often get heartfelt messages. One girl called me a ‘blessing in disguise’. Some used to stay home or cut up old shirts to use as pads. It broke my heart,” she said.
Naicker is also a supporter of other initiatives such as CANSA, Cupcakes for Hope, and Meals on Wheels. “If I could donate a million rand to another cause, that’s where it would go,” she shared.
A strong believer in legacy, Naicker hopes Save the Dignity of Our School Girls will continue for generations to come. “I want others to uphold what I’ve achieved and continue supporting young girls in need. The skill of humanity is something we should all master.”
Naicker stands as a testament to resilience, selflessness and the power of one person to create lasting change. Her story is not just about pads—it’s about purpose, dignity, and a fierce love for humanity.
Those wanting to support the cause can drop off sanitary pad donations at Dr S Pillay’s and Dr Kandasamy’s surgeries or Care Pharmacy in Merebank, or contact Naicker directly on 079 565 1567.
