Charity Founder & Advocate: Rochelle Courtenay
Rochelle Courtenay. Rochelle is the Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity, a national charity founded in 2015 with the mission to ensure everyone is afforded the dignity in life that so many of us take for granted.
Considered Australia’s Pad Lady, Rochelle’s quest has seen over 4.5 million period products donated by the community, 6000 volunteers join the cause and over 3000 charities supported. All this work has been fuelled by passion, necessity, and dogged determination.
First up, can you explain what period poverty is?
Period poverty is when women, girls or those with a period are unable to afford the period products they need. This may be due to various reasons, such as fleeing domestic violence, facing homelessness, or struggling financially.
What are some of the challenges women face when they don't have access to menstrual products?
Without access to menstrual products, women, girls and those who menstruate face significant challenges that impact both their physical and mental well-being. Using inadequate alternatives or wearing products for extended periods pose risks to your physical health. Moreover, the stress of affording products, potential embarrassment from accidents, and resorting to makeshift solutions can deeply affect your mental health.
What inspired you to start Share the Dignity and address period poverty?
I was reading an article in Mamamia about homeless women not having access to period products and it broke my heart. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of period poverty before and couldn’t believe it wasn’t being addressed. I was determined to make a difference and started immediately collecting period products in my local area. Now 9 years later Share the Dignity has grown to a national charity thanks to the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers.
How has Share the Dignity helped provide support to women experiencing period poverty?
Twice a year we collect period products in all Woolworths supermarkets and select businesses across the country for our Dignity Drives. Through our drives we have been able to collect over 4.5 million period products to help support those experiencing period poverty. We have also installed 753 Dignity Vending Machines in areas of high need across Australia which dispense a free period pack at the of a button. This allows those experiencing period poverty to access the period products they need in a dignified way.
In what ways can teenagers get involved and support Share the Dignity's mission?
One key way is to get your school involved with Share the Dignity! We have many different ways to get involved including through our Creating Period Pride competition. This competition fosters open discussions around periods to eliminate the shame and stigma while offering the chance to win funds for your schools. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity and make an impact at the same time. https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/creating-period-pride
We are also conducting our Bloody Big Survey at the moment and we would love to have more teen voices in the survey. If you have your period you can share your invaluable experience with menstruation and help us continue to advocate for change. https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/end-period-poverty/bloody-big-survey-2024
What are some common misconceptions about period poverty that you would like to debunk?
That it only affects those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence. When I first started Share the Dignity I had no idea just how big the problem was. Now post-covid and with cost of living pressures we are seeing more and more low and middle income earners experiencing period poverty. A teacher I met shared with me that her husband lost his job during covid so she had to resort to cutting the pads she had left in 3 to make them last longer. No one should have to go through that.
Can you share a (or narrow down to just one!) success story or a memorable moment in your career?
My favourite moment has been successfully advocating for every state and territory to provide period products in high schools. This took years of advocacy but was so important to ensure that no girl misses out on an education because of her period.
What advice do you have for teenagers who want to make a difference in their communities like you have.
My advice is to embody the change you wish to see. Whether advocating for policy changes or actively participating in community projects, never underestimate your ability to make a difference. Remember, you have the power to change the world.
How do you stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges?
Any time I see a picture of a recipient of donations it reminds me why I do this. The impact of every single It’s in the Bag and every single period product is immense so anytime I read a story about someone receiving period products or a bag it just makes me think “this is why I do what I do”.
Can you share any future goals or projects you have coming up?
I am super excited to share that we have some big advocacy plans coming up following our Bloody Big Survey. Once we close the survey on May 31 and analyse the data I am excited to continue to advocate for the change we deserve. One of my primary advocacy focuses is to ensure that every state/territory provides period products in primary schools as well as high schools and work towards ensuring all TAFE, universities and workplaces etc. also provide period products.
Franc’s Fast Five
Go to snack? Diet Coke
Favourite holiday destination? Anywhere with a beach
Favourite subject in school? P.E.
Summer or Winter? Summer!
What is the first thing you do each day? Exercise – walking or lifting weights