Hub Australia’s Partnership with Share the Dignity and Femmé Organic to end period poverty.
At Hub, we believe that supporting women in the workplace means addressing real challenges head-on. That’s why, this International Women’s Month, we’re proud to announce our partnership not one, but two, organisations aiming to normalise and empower those with menstrual cycles, – Share the Dignity and Femmé Organic.
In partnership with Share the Dignity, from March onwards, all Hub Australia clubhouses will serve as donation drop-off points, making it easier for our members and communities to contribute essential period products to those in need. In addition, we’re stocking our bathrooms with sustainable, high-quality period care products from Femmé Organic, ensuring that menstruators have access to the necessities they deserve—without stigma or shame. Because menstrual care isn’t a luxury: it’s a basic human right.
Period Poverty in Australia: The Stark Reality
Despite being a fundamental health necessity, period products remain out of reach for many Australians due to financial constraints. The 2024 Bloody Big Survey from Share the Dignity reveals some alarming statistics:
- 64% of menstruators have struggled to afford period products.
- 83% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have struggled to afford period products.
- 78% of those with a disability or chronic condition have struggled to afford period products.
- 83% of the gender-diverse community have struggled to afford period products.
Period poverty disproportionately affects marginalised communities, making it a pressing issue that demands immediate action.
A Workplace Issue We Can’t Ignore
Period poverty doesn’t just impact minorities—it affects workplaces, businesses, and the economy at large. The financial burden of menstruation leads to lost productivity, absenteeism, and a lack of workplace inclusivity. So much so, that:
- 56% of menstruator survey respondents have missed work due to their period.
- $9.6 billion is the total estimated cost attributed due to missed workdays due to periods per year.
If you think period poverty isn’t affecting your workplace, think again. When employees don’t have access to the basic care they need, businesses pay the price in lost productivity and engagement.
Breaking the Stigma Around Menstruation
For too long, menstruation has been treated as something to hide, whisper about, or be ashamed of. But why should a natural, biological process be a source of embarrassment?
Stigma leads to silence, and silence allows period poverty to persist. Many who struggle to access period products don’t seek help due to shame, while societal taboos stop open conversations about menstrual health and accessibility.
By making period care more visible at Hub, we’re aiming to change the conversation about menstruation in the workplace.
How You Can Help
Ending period poverty starts with awareness and action. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate period products at any Hub Australia clubhouse drop-off point.
- Support sustainable choices by choosing brands like Femmé Organic, which prioritise both quality and environmental responsibility.
- Start conversations in your workplace, community, or home to help break the stigma surrounding menstruation.
- Advocate for change by supporting organisations like Share the Dignity, which fights for legislative and social change to improve period product accessibility.
Together, we can create a world where no one has to choose between food, rent, and period care. Let’s support those in need, challenge outdated taboos, and end period poverty for good.
Cited: The Big Bloody Survey 2024
