Locals fighting period poverty

Century 21 in both Echuca and Rochester, Hakkas Hairdressing in Echuca, as well as the Woolworths outlets in Echuca, Moama and Kyabram will have boxes for locals to donate products such as tampons, pads, menstrual cups and underwear, and incontinence products.

The donation drive is a part of Share The Dignity's August ‘Dignity Drive’, fighting against period poverty in Australia.

According to Share The Dignity's Period Pride report, 20 per cent of Victorians who menstruate have had to improvise their period products with toilet paper and other unsuitable alternatives due to the cost.

Additionally, 47 per cent of respondents said that they have worn a pad or tampon longer than the recommended four hours because they didn't have enough products to get by, while 45 per cent of respondents said that they've skipped school for at least an entire day because of their period.

Ms Ruedin has made it clear that all donations to the August Share The Dignity drive in the region will be supporting locals who are struggling.

“(The donated products) don't go off to Melbourne or Sydney,” she said.

“They stay in the community and are distributed locally.”

Share The Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said the research from the Period Pride report painted an alarming picture of the reality facing many people who menstruate.

“We expected to see that shame and stigma surrounding periods still exists, but we couldn't have predicted the sheer number of people who have struggled to afford period products,” Ms Courtenay said.

“It's not just about using toilet paper either, it's about not having access to period products when you need them — whether that's changing to a less suitable but more affordable product or asking a friend to purchase products for you.

“This experience is more common than we thought, but not spoken about enough.

“It's likely that your mum, aunty, friend, or colleague has found themselves in a situation like this.

“No person should ever go without these essentials.”

Ms Ruedin was pleased with the public support for the drive this time around.

“It's about awareness,” Ms Ruedin said.

“We haven't had the support from business in the past that we have this time.”

Donations for the Share The Dignity drive can be made at the following local businesses during open hours:

Woolworths Echuca, at the corner of Darling St and Nish St, Echuca.

Woolworths Moama, at the corner of Cobb Hwy and Pericoota Rd, Moama.

Woolworth Kyabram, on Union St, Kyabram.

Century 21 Echuca, at 128 Hare St, Echuca.

Century 21 Rochester, at 60 Mackay St, Rochester.

Hakkas Hair Design Echuca, Shop 8/9 at 157 Hare St, Echuca.

Priceline Echuca, 147-149 Annesley St, Echuca.