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There are individuals who find themselves resorting to shoplifting just to access the essential dignity that comes with having pads or tampons. This issue is not rare; it affects a significant number of those who menstruate.
In Australia, this struggle is particularly pronounced. According to the Bloody Big Survey conducted by the charity Share the Dignity, around 64 percent of Australians who require period products have faced difficulties affording them.
Rochelle Courtenay, the founder and managing director of Share the Dignity, highlighted the severity of the situation by saying, “When someone is already struggling to fill their car with fuel at $1.95, imagine what a $2.95 expense for period products would mean to them.”
Courtenay also pointed out the harsh reality that many women often prioritize themselves last, making the cost of these necessary items an even more significant burden.
“Especially to women who already put themselves last.”
Courtenay has urged her own staff to work from home as petrol prices near $3 per litre.
Traditionally, Share the Dignity offers period care products to women experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence.
But Courtenay said the period poverty crisis has spilled out across the country.
She warned even those with incomes above $100,000 were facing the problem.
“This is going to affect so many more people, I’m scared for what’s coming,” Courtenay said.
“And nobody wants to admit that they’ve got their period and that they cannot afford basic essentials.
“There’s so much shame in that.”
The charity’s survey also found that one in four women wear period products for longer than recommended due to spiralling costs.
Courtenay said this is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of period poverty.
“That is only going to harm you from a toxic shock perspective, but also but also the anxiety that comes with that,” Courtenay said.
“And I’m scared hearing about women having to even think about using bread in their underwear.
“This is really then too much for Share the Dignity.
“We can’t get period products in the hands of everybody that needs them.”
Share the Dignity is calling on the federal government, state governments and councils to take action on period poverty.
The charity also urging businesses to provide free products for staff.
The aim is to treat menstrual products with the same urgency and importance as toilet paper.
The charity’s March dignity drive, which takes places at Woolworths stores, is coming to an end, but only 26 per cent of the target has been met.
Share the Dignity hosts another drive in August but this month’s drive will likely not bring in enough period products to last until then.
“We’re giving a woman a warm jacket or a pair of shoes and that lasts a few years. This is a monthly problem,” Courtenay said.
“And it’s not going away because the price of fuel’s gone up.
“Right now, we just need everybody in Australia who can afford it, to donate.”
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