Chapter 12 of Not Just Your Period is a focus on ‘period poverty’. This is a discussion about where it exists, who experiences it, and some of the layered intertwining factors linked with those who experience it (the why). This chapter also provides examples of a few impactful, community-based, grass-roots, not-for-profit organisations around the world, doing fabulous work in this space, usually through three pathways of advocacy (for menstruators, toward government policy change and community action), product support and stigma free access and importantly – education for ALL! Yes, that includes all genders, boys and men, through all levels of society, across all corners of the globe must learn about menstrual cycles, periods and lived experience of such, toward making real, positive change in this space.
Share the Dignity is Australia’s largest, most vocal organisation in the period poverty arena, amonst many smaller community organisations and initiatives through communities, neighbourhood centres, schools and universities – people coming together for change. Do you know what’s around you, in your town and places of study, work or social spaces? Head to She the Dignity’s website, navigate around it to discover the amazing, creative, dedicated work they are doing, with LOTS of volunteers, and generous donors, all around Australia!
I place the Period Poverty chapter at the end of Not Just Your Period, after all the learning and changes you have made for yourself, to hopefully give you a broader perspective of experiences of so many girls, women, and all menstruators, AND to plant a little seed, that may start you thinking to how YOU may be able to help toward smashing shame and stigma… Even at a basic, the language we choose to use around our bodies, our cycles, our blood and our experiences, has great impact.
As you’ll read in chapter 12, I have been a volunteer for Share the Dignity in the past, have recently moved to a new home, and am re-engaging to support in my local areas again, with awareness and collection points. I also recently bought 10 pairs of period socks from their website, as fun gifts for my daughters and myself!
Share the Dignity is dong much needed work here in Australia, Rochelle and her team are tireless. You can find them on all socials too. So active, and often so funny! Last I saw Rochelle was wearing a ‘pad dress’ raising awareness for the Bloody Big Survey, and another Dignity Vending Machine (no cost, stigma free access) was being installed at a school. Committed action, making a difference. Education, awareness, action, support, advocacy, empowerment.
There is link to Share the Dignity website at the bottom of every page on this website. I am committing 10% of profits from hardcopy book sales of Not Just Your Period, to literally ‘Share the Dignity’, sent to their accounts at the end of each financial year. We’re all in it together. We all just do what we can.
With love, Jodie
