Councils urged to help end period poverty

National charity Share the Dignity has written to every local councillor and mayor in Australia, urging them to take action on period poverty by joining the Council Cares program.

The grassroots initiative equips councils with practical tools to promote menstrual equity.

As part of this outreach – launched on Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28) – Share the Dignity has provided each council with access to localised statistics from the 2024 Bloody Big Survey, the largest dataset of its kind, with more than 150,000 menstruators surveyed in Australia.

Now, councils can see how their own community compares, and take action before the next Bloody Big Survey in 2027.

In the Surf Coast Shire, 61.73 per cent of respondents found it difficult to afford period products, and 69.9 per cent missed sport due to a period.

In the City of Greater Geelong, 67.39 per cent of respondents found it difficult to afford period products, 66.95 per cent missed sport due to a period, and 65.8 per cent missed school because of a period.

The Borough of Queenscliffe’s results are not listed.

The Council Cares program invites councils to:

Provide free access to period products such as by installing Dignity Vending Machines in public spaces

Support menstrual education via Share the Dignity’s Education Hub, and

Introduce rebates for reusable period products like menstrual cups and period underwear.

Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said she hopes to see councils take part in the initiative and start improving menstrual equity in their community before the next Bloody Big Survey.

“Everyone deserves the right to manage their period with dignity, no matter their postcode.

“By giving councils Bloody Big Survey data from their own community, we’re encouraging councils to make informed, compassionate decisions that change lives.”

Share the Dignity is now calling on everyday Australians to add their voice

Anyone can support the movement by emailing their local council.

For a pre-written email template, head to sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/councilcares