UKZN Master’s Students Recognised for Research Advancing Menstrual Equity

Two University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Master’s students have been recognised on the national stage after winning top honours in the South African Sociological Association (SASA) Essay Competition, with their research shining a spotlight on menstrual health, gender justice and social inclusion in South Africa.

Ms Nandi Zulu was awarded First Prize for her essay titled ‘Culture, Religion, and Menstruation in South Africa’, while Ms Luyanda Mnyayi received the Runner-up Prize for her essay ‘Menstrual Health Experiences, Support Systems and Barriers among Students with Disabilities in Higher Education Institutions’.

The winning essays are drawn from ongoing research that both students are undertaking as part of their Master of Social Sciences in Sociology.

The awards recognise outstanding postgraduate scholarship and celebrate research that contributes meaningfully to understanding contemporary social issues.

SASA, established in 1993, is a professional association for sociology in South Africa, bringing together academics, researchers and students while providing a platform for critical engagement with social issues and nurturing emerging scholars through initiatives such as its annual essay competition.

Zulu’s winning essay explores the intersection of culture, religion and menstruation, asking why a natural biological process remains surrounded by silence, shame and restrictive beliefs.

“While access to menstrual products and sanitation is important, my essay looks at what those conversations often miss – the cultural and religious beliefs that shape how girls and women experience menstruation,” she said.

She added: “You can give a girl a free pad, but if she has been taught that her body is something shameful to hide, the problem hasn’t really been solved,” she said. “My hope is that this research reaches policymakers, educators, healthcare workers, community and faith leaders so that menstrual health programmes engage meaningfully with the beliefs that exist within communities rather than pretending they don’t.”

Mnyayi’s award-winning essay investigates the experiences of students with disabilities, highlighting how inaccessible infrastructure, stigma and limited institutional support affect their dignity, wellbeing and participation in Higher Education.

“My research highlights experiences that are often overlooked in discussions about menstrual health and disability,” said Mnyayi. “Menstrual health remains a significant social justice issue in South Africa, and students with disabilities face additional barriers that receive very little attention.”

She hopes her findings will encourage universities to develop more inclusive policies and support systems.

“Women are not all the same, and our experiences are different. Beyond academia, I hope this research contributes to policy discussions, encourages Higher Education Institutions to improve their support systems, and promotes dignity, equality and inclusion for everyone.”

Both students acknowledged that one of the greatest challenges in producing their essays was finding literature that adequately addressed their research topics.

For Mnyayi, existing scholarship rarely explore disability and menstruation together. “There is still limited research focusing on the intersection between disability and menstrual health, especially in the South African context. Sometimes I would read an entire journal article and only find one sentence relevant to my study, but working closely with my supervisor helped me strengthen my argument.”

Zulu said synthesising 16 studies into a coherent argument required multiple revisions. “The hardest part was ensuring each study retained its own voice while weaving them together into one clear argument. … It would have been easy to simply condemn cultural and religious practices, but I had to acknowledge that for many women these practices also represent identity and belonging. … The rewriting process is where the real work happened.”

Reflecting on their success, both students encouraged postgraduate researchers to pursue topics they are genuinely passionate about.

“Choose a topic that matters to you,” said Mnyayi. “Read widely, engage critically with the literature, revise your work several times, seek feedback from your supervisor and start early. Research is not just about compiling information; it should contribute meaningful knowledge to society.”

Zulu agreed, adding: “Write about something you care about because readers can feel when the passion is real. An essay is an argument, not a summary of literature. Don’t be afraid to rewrite, and don’t disqualify yourself before anyone else has had the chance to evaluate your work. Just enter. Even if you don’t win, you’ll walk away with stronger writing.”

The pair also reflected on how studying sociology at UKZN has transformed the way they understand society and approach research.

“Sociology has taught me to think critically about inequality, power and social justice,” said Mnyayi. “Research is not simply about producing knowledge. It is about understanding people’s lived experiences and using evidence to inform meaningful social change.”

Zulu added: “Sociology has changed the way I see the world. It has taught me that nothing in society stands alone. Research isn’t something that belongs on a shelf; it’s a tool to help us understand social problems so we can begin addressing them.”

Both students credited UKZN’s postgraduate environment and the mentorship they received for helping them achieve national recognition.

“I believe this achievement reflects the high standard of postgraduate research and mentorship at UKZN,” said Mnyayi. “The University encourages critical thinking, academic excellence and socially relevant research.”

Zulu echoed this sentiment, saying: “This award shows that UKZN postgraduate students can stand confidently on any national stage. Behind these essays is a department that takes postgraduate students seriously and supervision that challenges, stretches and develops us into independent researchers.”

The students expressed their appreciation to their supervisor, Dr Sinazo Nomsenge, describing her mentorship as instrumental in shaping both their research and academic growth.

Mnyayi said: “Dr Nomsenge has been my academic guardian angel. Her guidance, encouragement and constructive feedback challenged me to think critically and fall in love with research. She believed in our potential, encouraged us to enter the competition and helped us realise the value of our work.”

Zulu added: “She believed in my work when it was still finding its feet. She was patient, honest and never allowed me to settle for good enough. Every difficult question she asked made the essay stronger. This award belongs to all of us.”

Nomsenge said the students’ achievements reflected both their dedication and the strength of UKZN’s postgraduate research culture.

She said: “Their success is a testament to the value of sustained investment in postgraduate research and mentorship, and I remain grateful to the UKZN Andrew Mellon Early Career Scholars Fellowship for supporting the development of the next generation of scholars in this important field of study and intervention.”

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photographs: Supplied