Woolworths and Share the Dignity are calling on Peninsula residents to participate in their most important Dignity Drive to date this month as 15 per cent of women across NSW have experienced period poverty this year.
Dignity Drive aims to directly address period poverty by increasing the number of freely available period care products.
Woolworths will donate five cents from each period care product sold in August, both in store and online, to help fund the installation and maintenance of Dignity Vending Machines and other period poverty relief efforts.
Woolworths Group Manager, Tim Burr, said Woolworths had participated in over five Dignity Drives.
“We’d like to thank all our Woy Woy Peninsula customers who have donated to previous Dignity Drives, their generous contribution has helped lessen the impact of an already challenging time,” Burr said.
“These past couple of months have presented ongoing challenges.
“Caring for all Australians is a top priority at Woolworths and we hope that, with our customers, we can ensure every person who needs access to period care products can get them, no matter their circumstances.”
The recent ‘Share the Dignity Period Pride’ report found that more than one in five (21 per cent) menstruating women in NSW have had to improvise on period products due to financial stress.
Close to half (49 per cent) admitted that they have worn a pad or tampon for more than four hours because they didn’t have enough products to get by.
Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, said the research highlighted the stark reality that many women face.
“Our efforts across NSW are well and truly in motion to end period poverty and we are pleased to have the long-term support of Woolworths to raise awareness and lessen the impact,” Courtenay said.
“Together, we will work to ensure women have access to the products they need to manage their period with the dignity they deserve.
“Every donation and purchase makes a difference to someone in need.”
Funds raised this month will see Dignity Vending Machines installed in Universities and TAFEs across Australia, experiencing increased demand from students dealing with the impact of the pandemic.
All Woolworths supermarkets on the Peninsula are participating so customers can purchase any period care product and donate in store via the pink collection boxes or add a cash donation at Woolworths checkout registers or online.
Source:
Media release, Aug 3
Woolworths