New ‘Would You Rather’ campaign highlights realities of period poverty
Share the Dignity has today launched a new campaign as part of its bi-annual Dignity Drive, an initiative delivered in partnership with Woolworths.
To encourage Australians to consider what it might be like to experience period poverty, the August Dignity Drive aims to create conversation around the tough choices that some people must make every month through the ‘Would You Rather’ campaign.
Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director Rochelle Courtenay, said that while menstruation isn’t a choice, those experiencing period poverty often have to choose between purchasing period products or other essential items just to get by.
“We know that pads and tampons are often the first thing to be taken off the shopping list when people are struggling financially,” Ms Courtenay said.
“We’ve heard so many stories of mothers who have chosen to go without so that they can buy pads for their daughter, or university students having to choose between filling up their car or buying tampons.
"Menstruation is not a choice, and no one should have to choose between buying period products so they can manage their period with dignity, or buying the essential items they need to get by. So, when you’re shopping at Woolworths this month, please consider adding an extra pack to your trolley for someone who may be doing it tough.”
Since 2019, Woolworths have donated half a million period products and donated five cents from the sale of every period product during the months of March and August to fund 100 Dignity Vending Machines across the country.
Dignity Vending Machines dispense free packs of pads and tampons, and are located in schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, women’s refuge centres and other community organisations where there is a need.
Woolworths Head of Community and Sponsorships, Sarah De La Mare said she was grateful for all of the customers who had supported the initiative since the partnership began.
“We’d like to thank all of our customers who have donated to Dignity Drives over the years as their generous contribution has helped provide access to period care for many Australians,” Ms De La Mare said.
“Woolworths is dedicated to supporting local communities and caring for all Australians. We hope this month’s Dignity Drive will continue the message to support those experiencing period poverty.”
Ms Courtenay added that the support of Woolworths has been essential in the fight to end period poverty.
“We are so proud to continue our partnership with Woolworths this year. When I first started Share the Dignity, I wanted to forever change the way that people walked the sanitary aisles,” Ms Courtenay said.
“Woolworths have played a significant role in this, in breaking down the shame and stigma surrounding periods, and in ensuring that no women or girl goes without the basic essentials.”
Supporters can drop-off donations at all local Woolworths stores and a number of nominated businesses nationwide throughout August, purchase a virtual pack of pads for $5 via the Share the Dignity website or make a cash donation using the charity donation buttons which are on all Woolworths checkouts.
Share the Dignity believes that those in need have the right to use the products they are most comfortable in using.
All approved period products are accepted, such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear and reusable pads, as well as incontinence products. Share the Dignity requires all period products to be in the original packaging.?
You can also follow the ‘Would You Rather’ conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
