For too many Australian women this scenario has become real life and the community of Milton-Ulladulla are being asked to “share the dignity” by donating sanitary items to women in crisis. 

The Share the Dignity campaign was established by Rochelle Courtney in 2015 after an article on the indignities homeless women and women in domestic violence situations face during their period left her shocked. 

“For these vulnerable and at risk women each month brought a shameful and traumatic experience,” Ms Courtney said.

“Suffering indignities such as having to clean themselves in public toilets and use paper towels or newspaper to create makeshift sanitary pads.

“Reading it from the comfort of our homes, with the knowledge that many Australian women couldn’t take hygiene for granted during menstruation, we knew we couldn’t allow it to continue.  

“We believe sanitary items should be a right not a privilege.” 

Twice a year, during April and August, the team at Share the Dignity hold our collections for sanitary items to distribute to women in need. There are four collections points in the Milton-Ulladulla area.

Fig Tree Forest co-owner, Rebecca Cameron said they support of the program because it is very important to assist women in crisis. 

“When I talk about women in crisis I want to include women in domestic violence or women who have found themselves homeless or destitute for whatever reason,” Ms Cameron said. 

“One of the reasons women stay in domestic violence situations is due to financial reasons. When they do leave they find themselves without any money at all. So, they have to resort in these situations to horrible ways to deal with their period like bundled up paper or clothing.

“It's demeaning and it just adds to their feelings of low self esteem.”

Ms Cameron said it isn’t only women escaping violent domestic situations who are in need of assistance, but women who may be homeless or caught in natural disasters. 

She urged women and men to check their bathroom cupboards for unneeded sanitary items or to purchase and extra packet next time they are at the supermarket.  

“It's really easy,” Ms Cameron said.

“Just buy an extra packet of anything and everything. Don’t be fussed about brands or types, just buy something to contribute and pop it in our bucket.”

Share the Dignity accept all forms of packaged sanitary items including menstrual cups, maternity pads and also incontinence items.

There are four collection points in Milton-Ulladulla including: