Cygnett Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is introducing a new initiative this 2022-23 season, partnering with national charity, Share the Dignity to launch the first ever ‘Fighting Period Poverty Round’.
Set to take place in round four of the season, the round will aim to increase awareness of period poverty in Australia, provide education on the issue and normalise conversations around periods.
The ‘Fighting Period Poverty Round’ will follow Share the Dignity’s It’s in the Bag Christmas appeal and throughout the 10-day season break (FIBA window), the teams and league will be provided the opportunity to support the campaign in the community leading into round four.
Share the Dignity’s annual It’s in the Bag campaign encourages Australians to fill a bag with essential items and drop it off to Bunnings between November 18-27, so they can be delivered to charities in time for the festive period.
WNBL players and staff are looking forward to getting involved in the campaign and packing and delivering bags.
Share the Dignity is a national charity working to make a difference to women, girls, and those who menstruate who are experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough.
Working with over 3000 charities Australia-wide, they distribute period products and essential items to those in need as they work to end period poverty in Australia.
Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle Courtenay said she was grateful for the support of the WNBL and is looking forward to working together.
“I am so excited to have the WNBL on board; having an incredible sports team on board such as the WNBL makes a huge difference in normalising conversations around periods,” Ms Courtenay said.
“I want to ensure there is not a single person in Australia who doesn’t know period poverty exists and with the help of the WNBL our voice will be amplified across the ‘Fighting Period Poverty Round’.
“I cannot wait to see what Share the Dignity and the WNBL can accomplish together as we work towards ending period poverty in Australia.”
The WNBL, are encouraging the basketball community, to make a financial donation as they strive to achieve a goal of raising $25,000, to fund a Dignity Vending Machine.
Period product donation boxes will also be set up at WNBL games throughout the round where fans can drop essential items.
