Media Release

Share the Dignity is helping to eradicate period poverty in Australia by distributing period products to women who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, domestic violence or poverty.

Recent national data from Share the Dignity shows that two-thirds of Australian women, girls and people who menstruate have struggled to afford period products, causing them to miss out on work, school or activities they love.

Monash IVF CEO Dr Victoria Atkinson said the company was delighted to be backing Share the Dignity and its vital work supporting women experiencing menstrual inequality.

“In a time when for many women around the world, access to basic reproductive health is being restricted, Monash IVF is so proud to partner with Share the Dignity, who are ensuring safe access to sustainable period products for anyone in need,” Dr Atkinson said.

“We are united by a passion for a woman's basic right to dignity and hygiene in managing their periods as well as their broader fertility journey.

"Everyone who menstruates should be afforded the comfort, hygiene and dignity that having access to period products provides,” Dr Atkinson said. “Menstrual safety is the cornerstone of women's health.”

“Every day, Monash IVF supports women at deeply personal moments in their reproductive health journeys, and this support extends well beyond fertility care, so I can't think of a cause that is more meaningful to our people than the mission of Share the Dignity.”

Share the Dignity Founder and CEO Rochelle Courtenay said the charity was thrilled to be teaming up with Monash IVF, which has a long-standing reputation for being at the forefront of women’s reproductive health.

“Period poverty is a major issue across Australia, and partnerships like this help ensure that people who menstruate can access the essential products they need to live with dignity,” Ms Courtenay said.

“We look forward to working with Monash IVF and being able to improve menstrual equity for all together.”

Share the Dignity was formed in 2015 and works with more than 3,000 charities to support people who menstruate and urgently need access to period products.

Since 2015, the It’s in the bag Christmas appeal campaign has donated more than 1.1 million bags filled with essential items for women and girls fleeing domestic violence or experiencing homelessness at Christmas.

In the past, individual clinics at Monash IVF have supported the charity donating their time to help the cause.

Now as part of this new company-wide official partnership, Monash IVF staff from across the country will participate in fundraising, hygiene bag packing and other initiatives to support the charity’s work and help distribute essential products to those in need. To learn more about Share the Dignity click here.