AN Australian charity has welcomed Scotland's lead to try to end period poverty on the eve of its own biannual Dignity Drive throughout March.
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The Scottish Parliament on Tuesday approved legislation that would make pads and tampons freely available to all who need them at public places such as community centres, youth clubs and pharmacies.
Riverina volunteer for Share The Dignity Rebecca O'Brien said the organisation believed access to period products should be a right not a privilege in Australia.
She said the Scottish decision had put the issue firmly on the agenda.
"It couldn't be more timely," she said.
For the fifth year Share the Dignity will run its biannual Dignity Drive during March to collect donations of period products to help end period poverty.
Ms O'Brien said volunteers were desperately needed throughout the Riverina including Tumut, Cootamundra, Griffith, Temora and Leeton.
She said more volunteers were also needed in Albury and Wodonga.
"Basically wherever there is a Woolworths store, we need a volunteer," Ms O'Brien said.
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Last year the charity collected more than one million period products to give to those across Australia.
In the last Australian census, it was revealed that 45,813 women were experiencing homelessness and in 2017, the Australian Council of Social Service survey stated that 2.9 million Australians were living below the poverty line.
Share the Dignity had already donated 2.5 million period products to those in need since its inception but demand was soaring.
Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay created the charity five years ago, knowing something had to be done to help those experiencing period poverty.
"Just last month I met a young woman who spoke about experiencing homelessness at just 14 after fleeing a home of family violence," she said.
"She spoke about stealing socks from the local laundromat to take care of her period because she couldn't afford period products.
"I also met with a young mother of two who became ill and fell behind on her rent resulting in homelessness."
The Dignity Drive runs throughout March with collection boxes in all Woolworths stores and a number of other retail partners.
Share the Dignity requires all period products to be in the original packaging and accepts sustainable alternatives such as menstrual cups or period underwear.
To become a volunteer or to find your closest collection point for donations visit sharethedignity.com.au.
