Southern Downs Regional Council has joined the movement to help vulnerable women and girls avoid period poverty by partnering with Share the Dignity to install a Dignity Vending Machine at the Warwick Library.
Share the Dignity is an Australian women's charity that works to make a real difference to the lives of those experiencing homelessness or fleeing domestic violence by dispensing free and hygienic period products at safe locations.
Southern Downs Councillor Cynthia McDonald said that with so many doing it tough these days, it was acutely important to destigmatise issues facing women and support those living in period poverty.
“Access to period products is a basic right, not a privilege, and vulnerable women and girls should not have to choose between food and hygienic period products or be forced to stay at home during their menstrual cycle simply because they have fallen on hard times,” Councillor McDonald said.
“Share the Dignity has taken the lead to make a real, on-the-ground difference to the lives of menstruating women and girls who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence or poverty.
“In partnering with Share the Dignity, Council has joined the proactive movement to make period products free and safely accessible to those in need.
“I am excited to see how we can continue to work with Share the Dignity to spread the good work and achieve menstrual equity in our region.”
The new Dignity Vending Machine is located outside the female toilets at the Warwick Library and dispenses free #PinkBox Period Packs, containing six tampons and two pads.
About Share the Dignity
Share the Dignity assists those in need by collecting hundreds of thousands of period products each year through collection drives and campaigns.
Those wanting to support Share the Dignity in providing these Dignity Vending Machines can do so in many different ways. Organisations can
Sponsor a Dignity Vending Machine or people can hold a
Birthday Fundraiser, swapping gifts for donations to fund the
Period Packs. For more information visit
www.sharethedignity.org.au.
Last edited date 06 Sep 2023