What is a Period Proud Organisation?
A period proud organisation champions menstrual equity and that creates a safe environment for menstruating employees.
This can be done by providing free access to period products for those that need them, offering period/menopause leave, and creating an inclusive culture where those who menstruate can manage their period with dignity.
In 2021 we conducted a Bloody Big Survey, which found:
4 out of 10 people called in sick to work due to their period every month.
22% of people had to improvise on period products due to their costs.
With the rising cost of living causing more Australians to struggle to make ends meet, it is time for organisations to help create gender equity in the workplace. You can do this by ensuring your organisation is ‘Period Proud’.
Share the Dignity is calling on organisations across Australia to join the menstrual movement and commit to taking meaningful actions towards advancing menstrual equity.
Download our Period Pride research to learn more about the Australian public about their attitudes towards periods, and levels of period poverty in our community and how this could have impacts on your organisation.
How to become a Period Proud Organisation
Register as a Period Proud Organisation and show your commitment to the women and those who menstruate across your organisation. After filling out the form you will receive a digital badge and a toolkit to promote your provisions to your employees.
No matter where you are on your Period Proud Organisation journey Share the Dignity is here to support you with the tools you need to create positive change.
Become a level 1 Period Proud Organisation
Commit to three of the below action items:
- Provide clean and safe sanitation facilities
- Provide period product disposal bins
- Provide free period products
- Provide period / menopause leave
- Provide and create awareness activities in the workplace
Become a level 2 Period Proud Organisation
Commit to four of the below action items:
- Provide clean and safe sanitation facilities
- Provide period product disposal bins
- Provide free period products
- Provide period / menopause leave
- Provide and create awareness activities in the workplace
Become a level 3 Period Proud Organisation
Commit to ALL of the below action items:
- Provide clean and safe sanitation facilities
- Provide period product disposal bins
- Provide free period products
- Provide period / menopause leave
- Provide and create awareness activities in the workplace
Once registered, you will receive your toolkit to assist you in creating a Period Proud Organisation
Example Period and Menopause Leave wording
*Organisation Name* provides an additional form of Personal Leave for Employees who may be experiencing severe symptoms related to their Period or Menopause.
Employees can access up to four days paid leave (pro-rata for part time staff) per year.
The leave is a separate entitlement to Personal / Carer’s Leave, does not accrue and is not paid out upon termination.
*Note: This wording is only an example and every organisation will have different conditions to take into account when implementing and creating a period/menopause leave policy.
Provide period products in your organisation
Our specially designed and easy to maintain machines provide an easy way for you to ensure your employees or customers can access free period products, all while supporting Share the Dignity.
Period packs to refill your machine can be purchased in cartons of 200 or 400.
If you're interested in purchasing a Dignity Vending Machine please contact giving@sharethedignity.org.au.
