General News
5 June, 2025
Councils approached nationwide to help reduce ‘period poverty’
A national non-profit organisation supporting vulnerable women, girls, and those who menstruate, recently contacted every mayor and councillor across Australia, calling on them to take meaningful action on ‘period poverty’.
The bold step by Share the Dignity was taken to provide local government with the results of the charity’s 2024 Bloody Big Survey highlighting how period poverty is impacting Australian women, girls and those who menstruate in Australian communities.
LGAs have also been encouraged to join the charity’s Council Cares program, a grassroots initiative the organisation believes will equip councils with “practical tools to promote menstrual equity.”
The results of the national survey are concerning, with 64 per cent of respondents struggling to afford period products, 65 per cent indicating they were unprepared for their first period, and 56 per cent reporting they have missed work due to their period.
Of the 314 local government areas (LGAs) featured in the survey results, 63 are in NSW and include Dubbo Regional Council and Orange City Council.
Results for other communities in the region in Gilgandra, Narromine, Warren and Bogan LGAs were not featured in the survey, for one simple, and sadly important reason.
“It’s because there were not enough respondents in [those areas], which itself highlights a need for greater awareness and engagement in the community,” a spokesperson for Share the Dignity told this journalist.
The Council Cares program invites councils to provide free access to period products such as by installing Dignity Vending Machines in public spaces and support menstrual education via Share the Dignity’s Education Hub. It also encourages the introduction of 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’ takes place in 2027.
“Everyone deserves the right to manage their period with dignity, no matter their postcode,” Ms Courtenay said.
“By giving councils survey data from their own community, we’re encouraging councils to make informed, compassionate decisions that change lives.”
The charity has reportedly received 142 responses from the 4649 mayors and councillors contacted about this issue in recent weeks.
Share the Dignity encourages local communities to contact their councils to find out more about what they are doing locally in this space, and to join the program if not already involved.
Bogan Shire Council has been approached for comment.
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