Women experiencing vulnerability will now have access to free sanitary items thanks to the City of Darwin and Share the Dignity’s implementation of the Northern Territory’s first Dignity Vending Machine.
The Pink Box Dignity Vending Machine is located in the City Library accessible toilet and ensures vulnerable women and girls in need have access to essential sanitary items.
Deputy Lord Mayor Rebecca Want de Rowe said the Pink Box Dignity Vending Machine was officially launched as part of Anti-Poverty week and is a welcoming addition towards helping women in need.
“The Pink Box will provide anonymity for women who may be experiencing vulnerability,” she said.
“These women often have to make the choice between food and sanitary items, so the Dignity Vending Machine will hopefully help reduce the impact of poverty.
“The vending machine is a step towards connecting disadvantaged women with vital health services and we are proud to be supporting this wonderful initiative which provides easy access to the essential items they need.”
Share the Dignity Founder Rochelle Courtenay said thousands of women in Australia do not have access to pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period-proof underwear.
“Our goal is to provide the dignity that all women deserve by improving access to sanitary items. We can only do this with the support of our fundraising initiatives and corporate donations,” Ms Courtenay said.
The Dignity Vending Machine holds 60 sanitary packs each containing two pads and six tampons. Packs are dispensed through the touch of a button once every ten minutes.
Access to the Dignity Vending Machine will be during the library opening hours.
