New research from Australian charity Share the Dignity’s Bloody Big Survey has found that a startling 66 per cent of Queensland menstruators have found it difficult to buy period products.
Australia-wide this number sits at 64 per cent of menstruators, with Queensland sitting at number seven when compared to the other states and territories (where one = best and eight = worst).
Nationally this number increased significantly for those who identified as a person with a disability (78 per cent), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders (83 per cent) and gender-diverse individuals who menstruate (83 per cent).
Students are also doing it tough.
When compared to 2021, the number of university/TAFE students who had to improvise on period products nationally due to cost, increased from 19 per cent in 2021 to 25 per cent in 2024, highlighting the impact the cost of living is having on students.
For Bundaberg’s Louise McPherson who began her donation journey with Share the Dignity in 2020, this rather large number was shocking when she saw the survey results.
“By being a volunteer at Share the Dignity I can see that the hard work of this charity will be well received by the community and this makes me very happy and proud to be able to help out these people who need it most and are finding it tough to afford menstrual products,” she said.
“It’s a simple way to make a big impact on someone’s life and give them the dignity that every menstruating person deserves.”
Louise volunteers her time throughout the year with Share the Dignity.
“I have already participated in the March Dignity drive and again now during our August Dignity Drive.
“Recently I have also taken on the role of restocking and maintaining the Share the Dignity vending machine located at Bundaberg Base Hospital, while I also donate items during the ‘It’s In The Bag’ drive each year right before Christmas and take on collecting bags from Bunnings and delivering them to local charities.”
For Louise and other volunteers like her, it is amazing to hear that Bundaberg State High School now has two Share the Dignity machines available for students.
“Their original machine has vended 835 packs since it was installed on 7 June 2022 and their second machine was installed on 19 January 2024 and has vended 74 packs to date, meaning 909 total between both machines.
“These machines are such a great resource for young people to have these products easily accessible and free.”
Surveying 153,620 people, The Bloody Big Survey is the world’s largest survey and findings on experiences, attitudes and insights on menstruation.
It runs every three years to monitor the physical, social and financial impacts of menstruation and to look at period poverty rates across the nation.
In order to support the 8 per cent of Queenslanders who have experienced period poverty in the last 12 months, Share the Dignity is once again partnering with Woolworths to conduct its bi-annual Dignity Drive.
Share the Dignity’s August Dignity Drive enables people to donate period products and incontinence aids at Woolworths supermarkets and select businesses nationwide to help minimise period poverty.
Woolworths will also donate five cents from the sale of every period product during August adding to the $2.84 million already donated, which has helped fund an additional 110 Dignity Vending Machines across the country.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director, Rochelle Courtenay expressed deep concern over the Bloody Big Survey findings.
“It breaks my heart to see such high rates of period poverty continuing here in Australia,” she says. “No one should have to go without these basic essentials, yet this issue is alarmingly prevalent.”
“I have heard so many stories shared through the survey about people’s experiences with period poverty, with some people having used tea towels, or tote bags to try and manage their period with dignity, which is simply unacceptable in a country like Australia.”
Louise added that the Dignity Drive was an easy way to give back to those struggling with period poverty.
“Simply adding one product to your shopping goes a long way! Woolworths will also donate five cents from the sale of every period product during August which helps to fund Dignity Vending Machines across Australia.
“It always makes me feel so happy when I go to check the boxes outside Woolworths to see the generosity of our local community.
“Those wanting to make a tangible impact on those experiencing period poverty can donate unopened period products and incontinence aids to Share the Dignity’s Dignity Drive this August or donate online.
“The pink boxes are located at Woolworths Stores in Bundaberg and Bargara.”
