Share the Dignity is calling on Australians to take action this March through its nationwide Dignity Drive, as new suburb-specific data reveals that period poverty continues to impact people across NSW.
The call to action coincides with the launch of the Dignity Map, Australia’s first interactive map showing where period poverty is most severe, powered by data from Share the Dignity’s 2024 Bloody Big Survey.
The Dignity Map reveals that 63 per cent of menstruators in NSW have found it difficult to afford period products, placing the state slightly below the national average of 64 per cent, but still highlighting significant unmet need.
Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle Courtenay, said the data shows period poverty remains widespread across the state. ‘New South Wales’ results are deeply concerning,’ Ms Courtenay said.
‘Behind these figures are real people missing school, missing work and missing out on everyday life because they cannot afford basic period products.’
Running throughout the month of March, the Dignity Drive invites shoppers to donate unopened period products and incontinence aids at Woolworths supermarkets and participating businesses across NSW.
By the numbers
The latest data highlights the far-reaching impact of period poverty on daily life across the state:
- 62 per cent have missed school due to their period.
- 55 per cent have missed work.
- 68 per cent have missed sport.
The Dignity Map transforms responses from 153,620 Australians into a searchable, visual tool that helps identify where support is needed most.
The Bloody Big Survey also revealed that:
- 1 in 4 people wear pads or tampons longer than four hours due to cost.
- 68 per cent experience painful periods that disrupt daily life.
- 83 per cent of gender diverse people and 78 per cent of people with a disability have experienced period poverty.
‘No one should ever have to use toilet paper, socks or cotton wool to manage their period,’ Ms Courtenay said. ‘The Dignity Map helps us advocate for long-term change, while the Dignity Drive ensures immediate dignity for people doing it tough right now.’
The March Dignity Drive is held in partnership with Woolworths, with collection boxes available in supermarkets across NSW.
Awareness into action
Loretta Arrastia, Woolworths’ Community Programs Manager said, ‘Our teams can’t wait to get behind this great cause.
‘Since the start of Woolworths partnership with Share the Dignity, we’ve donated more than $3.3 million to help provide better access to period care for local communities.
‘Each March and August we donate five cents from every period product sold, and this funds Dignity Vending Machines across Australia.’
Australians are encouraged to look for the pink collection boxes when shopping this March and donate what they can, or contribute financially via the Share the Dignity website to support distribution to charities and communities in need.
‘By donating this March, Australians can turn awareness into action,’ Ms Courtenay said. ‘Together, we can ensure no one in New South Wales is held back simply because they cannot afford period products.’
To explore the Dignity Map or find your nearest collection point, visit sharethedignity.org.au/dignity-drives.
