SHARE the Dignity’s bi-annual Dignity Drive has almost wrapped up for another August, but there is still time left to donate.
The charity is asking for donations of period products including pads, tampons, maternity pads, incontinence pads, reusable pads, period-proof underwear and menstrual cups.
The goal this year is to collect 500,000 period products across both the March and August Dignity Drives.
The charity conducts The Bloody Big Survey, the world’s largest survey and findings on experiences, attitudes and insights on menstruation showed period poverty, which showed period poverty was still a prevalent issue.
Locally, the survey found that 66.00% of respondents in Mount Gambier/Berrin have admitted they find it difficult to purchase period products due to financial stress.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director, Rochelle Courtenay expressed deep concern over the survey findings.
“It breaks my heart to see such high rates of period poverty continuing here in Australia,” she said.
“No one should have to go without these basic essentials, yet this issue is alarmingly prevalent.
“I have heard so many stories shared through the survey about people’s experiences with period poverty, with some people having used tea towels, or tote bags to try and manage their period with dignity, which is simply unacceptable in a country like Australia.”
She said she had hoped to see a significant drop in the effects of period poverty when compared to our last survey in 2021, but it is just as high.
“This evidence-based data is what we need to keep advocating for change and to show the government needs to act now to ensure basic dignity for Australian menstruators,” she said.
The August Dignity Drive runs for the entire month of August, but monetary donations can be made online at any time.
To make a tangible difference to those in need, unopened period products can be donated in the pink boxes at various locations across the region including Woolworths, Star Chemists, Priceline Chemists and Bare Necessities Lingerie in Mount Gambier/Berrin and Woolworths in Naracoorte and Millicent.
