Community & Business
16 August, 2023
Free period packs delivered to Qld students
Over 100,000 free period product packs have been distributed to schools across the state since the program’s first Dignity Vending Machines were installed in schools in 2022.
Each pack contains six tampons and two pads.
Clifton, Centenary Heights and Harristown state high schools are among the first 120 schools with Dignity Vending Machines installed.
Now, there is an expanded initiative to install, maintain, and stock Dignity Vending Machines in all Queensland state schools that want one, taking the total investment over six years to more than $35 million.
Free period products provide cost of living relief and can particularly benefit students facing challenging circumstances, unstable accommodation, or those escaping domestic and family violence.
The partnership with Share the Dignity also provides access to the educational program Period Talk which helps remove any misplaced stigma around menstruation.
Rochelle Courtenay, Founder and Managing Director, Share the Dignity, said she is thrilled to see the Queensland Government committed to ensuring students don’t have to miss out on a day of education due to being unable to afford period products.
“I am also elated that our Dignity Vending Machines are being rolled out into primary schools as well as secondary schools, a first in Australia,” Ms Courtenay said.
“Our Bloody Big Survey in 2021 found over 30,000 kids had their first period at the age of 11 or younger so it is incredibly important primary school students also have free and dignified access to period products in school.”
