About Dare2B: What is Our Mission?

D.A.R.E is a South African non-profit organization that seeks to educate and empower young girls by improving access to sanitary products and menstrual health education. Through our D.A.R.E initiative, girls can complete their schooling with dignity and comfort.

D.A.R.E was founded by a successful businesswoman and humanitarian activist, Mooniba Bhyat after she visited outlying areas around South Africa. She was devastated to see many schoolgirls unable to afford sanitary pads each month and missing out on school because of this. She also noticed that the girls had little or no knowledge about the changes happening in their bodies. Many were unaware that having a period means they can become pregnant, contributing to the soaring teenage pregnancy rates.

The young girls that Mooniba met want to finish school. They have career dreams and aspirations like everyone else, but the barriers they face are enormous.

D.A.R.E focuses on rural areas around SA, where period poverty and stigma around the menstrual cycle are big problems. Young girls aged 10–15 years living in these impoverished areas receive essential and life-changing sanitary wear that is reusable and eco-friendly. The Dare2B Women Packs provide each girl with a pack of 6 washable pads, which last up to 4 years and allow girls to continue with their schooling worry-free. In addition to supplying sanitary wear, Mooniba gives informational, age-appropriate talks to young girls about menstrual health and hygiene. D.A.R.E tackles the myths and stigmas surrounding the menstrual cycle to end the taboo around this topic.

From a young age, Mooniba has wanted to help people change their lives for the better. She has a natural affinity for supporting the growth and development of others, particularly those who come from disadvantaged circumstances. Her daily mantra is: “Who will I meet to share my personal story of success with so that I can inspire them to achieve their own?”

D.A.R.E. was the natural next step in her journey!

Mooniba’s work in the direct selling industry brought her into contact with people all over South Africa, many of whom live in circumstances where basic needs – like access to sanitary wear for girls and women – are not met. She was shocked to witness the stigma surrounding the menstrual cycle and how many girls are unable to afford menstrual products. This pushed Mooniba to transfer her knowledge and skills to help young girls by developing a reusable and washable sanitary pad that lasts up to 4 years! She then channelled her energy into founding Dare2B.

It was a success! Mooniba has now handed over thousands of packs of washable sanitary pads to girls and women in Alexandra, Kagiso, and Soweto, in deprived areas in Cape Town and Durban, and outlying country towns. Whenever possible, she talks to girls at schools about menstrual health and how to take care of themselves. She also upskills women around South Africa by teaching them to sew the reusable pads to earn a living and become self-reliant.

But this journey wasn’t – and still isn’t – without its challenges. Mooniba has had many difficult conversations with patriarchal-led corporates due to the shame and stigma surrounding menstrual health and women’s health in general. She has made it her mission to undo this shame by raising her voice. In doing so, she has educated people from all walks of life about “period poverty” in South Africa and the negative consequences for girls, women, and communities. She uses every opportunity she has – including interviews on radio and TV – to share information and encourage men and women of all ages to start fundraising so more schoolgirls can access the reusable sanitary packs.

Mooniba is also the co-founder of Nature Lovers SA, which she started with her friend Maajedah Meer in 2014. They support single women and men who are afraid to travel early in the morning to enjoy the outdoors. Nature Lovers SA has registered over 80 members of all ages and cultures who hike together on weekends. It has become an opportunity to uplift women and men, create friendships, form networks, and increase self-confidence and self-development while exploring the country.

Mooniba’s other treasured accomplishments include:

● Serving as a board member for Dignity Dreams from August 2014 to August 2017

● Being appointed as a board member for Islamic Careline in May 2018

● Nominated as one of the Top 100 Difference Makers in 2018

● Winner of the Honey Women of the Year Award in 2019. This is a prestigious award given to a Mentor at Honey committed to supporting men and women with training and coaching.

● Driving the launch of a biodegradable and disposable Honey Heart Pad at Honey Fashion Accessories.

● Climbing Mt Elbrus – the highest peak in Europe – in July 2019 to raise R200 000 for two pad cutting machines for Dare2B.

Above all else, Mooniba is a proud mother of two beautiful girls and a handsome son, a grandmother to three very active grandsons, and a mentor to women and men around South Africa!