August is the second month of the year that Share the Dignity facilitates its Dignity Drive, an initiative that aims to end period poverty.
One in five women, girls and people who menstruate experience period poverty, Share the Dignity reports in its 2024 Big Bloody Survey.
To fight for menstrual equity, the charity has partnered with Woolworths supermarkets across the country, calling on shoppers to donate unopened period products to the pink collection point in each store.
The supermarket chain will also be donating a percentage of profits made from period products.
“Woolworths Seymour is supporting Share the Dignity in August, with various fundraising initiatives to support menstrual equity,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
“As part of a national partnership, Woolworths is donating five cents from the purchase of every period care product in store and online throughout the month to Share the Dignity.
“These funds will continue to support the installation of Dignity Vending Machines across the country, which dispense free period care products to those who need them.
“Customers shopping locally can also donate period care products in the pink donation boxes they’ll find at the front of the store — these products are picked up by local Share the Dignity volunteers and distributed to a local charity, so it’s a true community effort.”
Alongside its Dignity Drive, Share the Dignity has launched a nationwide campaign, urging men to join the fight to end period poverty.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said period poverty was not just a women’s issue.
“We need men to stand beside us, not just in conversation, but in action,” Ms Courtenay said.
“Only 35 per cent of respondents to our Big Bloody Survey said they felt confident in their menstrual education before their first period. Can you imagine what the statistic for menstrual education looks like for men?”
The ‘Bro in the Know’ campaign sets out to engage male allies and empower them with tools and education to advocate for change and break down stigma.
The August Dignity Drive will run until Sunday, August 31, with collection points at all Woolworths supermarkets nationwide.
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