It’s a sad reality that many women living in Australia are denied access to the most fundamental essentials in today’s society. It can be hard to fathom that anyone would have difficulty securing sanitary items which so many of us take for granted but it is true, and the Murphy Gozzard community feels drawn to help.
‘Share The Dignity’ is a local charity which works to make a real, on-the-ground difference in the lives of women and girls experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or doing it tough. They distribute sanitary items to those in need and work to end period poverty here in Australia. When a woman is doing it tough, the last thing on her mind should be dealing with her period. They partner with over 3,000 charities nationally, helping them to assist the women, girls and those who menstruate who desperately need access to period products. This is achieved through their Dignity Drives and Dignity Vending Machines. They also distribute the gift of a bag for those in need at Christmas time through the annual It’s in the Bag campaign.
Murphy Gozzard are currently doing an in salon collection drive until the end of March for sanitary items for our homeless. Simply by bringing us purchased pads and tampons, you can make an immeasurable difference to someone’s dignity and ensure that they do not need to choose between food to eat and this most basic of necessities.
‘Share The Dignity’ also currently have a petition through the House of Representatives in order to implement federal policy mandating the provision of free pads, upon request, to all patients in public hospitals nationally. In public hospitals patients can get band-aids, bandages, painkillers, or incontinence aids, but not sanitary items when they need them. Through the #PadUpPublicHealth campaign, ‘Share the Dignity’ has listened to thousands of harrowing stories from Australians who have not had access to period products while in hospital.
Women’s and girls’ ability to safely manage their menstrual hygiene is associated with basic human rights including non-discrimination, access to education and participation in public and professional life. This policy is therefore in line with global movements acknowledging menstrual hygiene as a fundamental human right and a critical link in achieving gender equality.
So, follow the link and join us in signing now: https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN3939
And then please drop us your donations to the salon at 447 Oxford Street, Paddington and help us make a difference.
