To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28 May 28, national charity Share the Dignity wrote to every local councillor and mayor in Australia, urging them to take action on period poverty by joining the Council Cares program, a grassroots initiative that equips councils with practical tools to promote menstrual equity.
As part of this outreach, 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 over 150,000 menstruators surveyed in Australia.
The national results are alarming: 64 per cent of menstruators have struggled to afford period products; 65 per cent felt unprepared for their first period and 56 per cent have missed work due to their period.
Now, councils can see how their own community compares, and take action before the next Bloody Big Survey in 2027.
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; 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,” said Ms Courtenay
“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 and encouraging them to take part. A pre-written email template is available at: www.sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/council-cares
