I was a single mother trying to get life back on track and struggling to get away from a DV situation. I had two children in nappies and buying tampons was a luxury for me. Nappies and formula first.  Tampons were expensive and while a must have they were unfortunately not affordable.  I would make out like my period had surprised me while at work could ask anyone if they had tampons I could use.

As a road maintenance worker I was refused a break and told to change my hygiene products in the front yard of a random home after being on the job for six hours. This occurred numerous times, and I would often  carry used products in my pocket  until I got home.

I remember when I first moved out of home, paying bills and working but still when it came time to buy my period products, I would sometimes  have to rumble through the car looking for coins to pay for tampons and pads. 

It was three days before payday and I got my period as i traveled into work on the train. I could not afford to buy a packet of pads, especially in the city, so  I used rolled up toilet paper all day  and had to go to the bathroom every 40 minutes to change. 

When I was a young woman  I used toilet paper most months as I could not afford to buy tampons or pads.  It got embarrassing when my workplace asked people why some much toilet paper was being used. I suspect I was not the only one doing this.

I have a decent income, but it isn’t lavish. I have had times between pay days when my period has come, and I didn’t have enough money to buy products, or I’ve been unable to leave work to get sanitary products. I work in construction and I’ll never forget the time a man said to me
 "can’t you just hold it we are busy" 

"We believe it’s essential to ensure that no one’s day is disrupted by a lack of access to period essentials. Having your period should never be a barrier to coming to work, feeling confident, and getting through the day comfortably.

In the months since introducing this initiative,  we’ve seen first-hand the real value and need for accessible period products in the workplace.  We’re incredibly proud to stand behind our team in this meaningful way."

- Distribution Director, Alliance Distribution Services

"We're incredibly proud that our hotel was the first in the Accor network to provide free period products for our team since August 2024, and even more proud to see it inspiring other hotels to get on board." 

- Novotel Perth Murray Street