For the past decade, Share the Dignity has championed the fight for free access to period products, grounded in the belief that these essentials are a right, not a privilege.
Menstrual inequity can often be a significant barrier to education. According to Share the Dignity's Bloody Big Survey, on average, students miss 6 days of school per year due to their period. To improve menstrual equity outcomes for Queensland students, the Queensland Government launched the Share the Dignity in Queensland schools initiative, proudly sponsored by the Queensland Government, and delivered in partnership with Share the Dignity. The program empowers students to focus on their education rather than worrying about access to essential products.
The partnership originally aimed to install 120 Dignity Vending Machines (DVMs) in Queensland schools. However, in June 2022 the Queensland Government announced a major expansion of the initiative, extending eligibility to all Queensland state schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and student residential facilities. These institutions can now register for the installation of a DVM, ensuring students have free access to period products at the push of a button. There are two types of Period Packs available: Mixed Packs (2 pads and 6 tampons) or Pad-Only (3 pads), giving schools and students the option that best suits their needs.
To date, Share the Dignity has installed over 800 Dignity Vending Machines in Queensland state schools (and counting!)
The impact one machine can make...
“I have one lovely year six girl who came to my office with a cookie from the tuckshop. She is a little poppet that we have been supplying products to since she was in grade 4. She bought me a cookie with her lunch money to say thank you and that now she doesn’t have to come down and bother me anymore! I told her she can come bother me whenever she likes but that I was glad she was able to access products when she needed.
She then asked me if it was ok to take them home as well because she has 5 older sisters, and they won’t share with her, and her mum says they can’t afford any more products... some days break your heart and then other days your heart gets filled to overflowing with the installation of a machine on a wall. It is however, so much more than a machine on a wall.”
Share the Dignity in Queensland Schools
ViewLearn more about Share the Dignity in QLD Schools
Interested in learning more about this initiative?
Download and print this flyer to learn about the impact a Dignity Vending Machine would make at your school or educational centre and steps on how to register.
Together, we can ensure no student gets left behind. Period.
Registering your interest for a Dignity Vending Machine®
Queensland Department of Education staff are encouraged to visit the department’s OnePortal page to register their school or contact DVMenquiries@qed.qld.gov.au for more information. Registrations are open!
As part of our commitment to ending period poverty in schools, you can access the free Period Talk program on our website.
Period Talk is a resource created to ensure we have a generation of children and young people who are informed and at ease talking about periods. Over the space of 3 classes, you will have access to a set of videos led by children and young people, animations and activities, where students will learn much more than just the basic mechanics of menstruation. They will explore and understand the cycles, different types of sanitary products that are available and think about periods from a human rights and environmental impact perspective.
The program has been written in line with the Australian Curriculum, with input from HPE teachers from around Australia and endorsed by the University of Western Sydney.
