Women across the northern and western suburbs are finding it difficult to access period products, a new survey has revealed.
Charity Share the Dignity’s bloody big survey found that across Victoria, 65 per cent of menstruators have found it difficult to buy period products.
In Melton, that figure increases to 67.7 per cent of those surveyed, followed by 67.2 per cent in Whittlesea, 66.98 per cent in Moorabool, 66.14 per cent in Wyndham, 65.72 per cent in Hume, 59.61 per cent in Brimbank, 59.41 per cent in the Macedon Ranges, 56.61 per cent in Hobsons Bay and 55.28 per cent in Maribyrnong.
Surveying 153,620 people, the bloody big survey focused on experiences, attitudes and insights on menstruation. It is run every three years to monitor the physical, social and financial impacts of menstruation and to look at period poverty rates across the nation.
Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said the survey results were alarming.
“It breaks my heart to see such high rates of period poverty continuing here in Australia,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Courtenay said the results will arm Share the Dignity with the evidence needed to create lasting change in Australia.
“I am now focused on ensuring free and dignified access to period products in University/TAFE campuses, and sporting centres as well as campaigning for local councils to ensure their residents can manage their period with dignity,” she said.
Donations of unopened period products and incontinence aids can be made to Share the Dignity’s Dignity Drive during August. Details: sharethedignityorg.au
