Stories of #GoodChange
Raising period poverty awareness in Sydney
Earlier this month, Good Neighbours celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, which fell on 11 October. One of the key issues affecting many girls across the globe today is period poverty, defined by a lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products and basic sanitation facilities, like clean water and waste disposal bins. Marginalised communities in developing countries are especially vulnerable, facing barriers not just in health, but also in human rights and gender equality.
Period Poverty Workshop in Sydney
As part of our Better Life for Girls campaign, Good Neighbours Australia partnered with Days for Girls Australia (DfGAL) to host a Period Poverty Awareness Workshop for high school students in Sydney.
Students helped construct eco-friendly, washable Dignity Kits and heard eye-opening stories about the challenges girls face managing their periods in developing countries. The kits made by the students will be added to the thousands already being supplied to Good Neighbours Australia’s partner communities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines and Laos.
Facilitating the students attending the workshop, Sydney educator Jess reflected on the impact, “From talking to students, they were confronted by the experiences of girls their own age. I think this really instills a sense of understanding of why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
She added: “The workshop was hands-on and engaging. Students worked in small groups and saw the purpose behind what they were creating.”
The Power of Collaboration
The workshop shone a light on the global challenge of menstrual equity and the under-prioritisation of women’s health. DfGAL volunteer Janelle shared her optimism: “This is a solvable problem. We now have the tools to be part of the solution.”
She sees great potential in the partnership with Good Neighbours Australia: “Good Neighbours has a strong global network. It’s powerful to know where the kits are going and who they’re helping.”
Ruth, a DfGAL volunteer for seven years now, spoke about the joy of connecting with others and raising awareness: “It’s amazing how something so simple can have such a ripple effect. Yes, we’re making a sanitary kit, but it also translates to a lot of different things, like helping a girl stay in school, which means delaying early marriage, improving her future, and uplifting her whole community.”
Creating Good Change, Together
At the end of the workshop, Jess concluded: “I’d absolutely recommend this workshop to other schools. It helps students appreciate their own opportunities and realise they have the power to make a difference.”
Through these period poverty workshops, we aim to empower girls, break stigma, support education and create lasting change.
