Share the Dignity: Helping young females feel safe and supported

Author: Jorja Brinums QRL content producer
Timestamp: Wed 1 Mar 2023, 12:48 PM

Queensland Rugby League has jumped on board to help Share the Dignity support those experiencing period poverty.

The overall aim in 2023 is to collect 500,000 period products during the March and August Dignity Drives.

QRL social impact and inclusion coordinator Liberty Jones said Share the Dignity was identified as a charity important to QRL employees during a recent social impact and corporate social responsibility survey.

"QRL recognise that great work Share the Dignity have done with putting period product vending machines in Queensland schools, so we see great value in supporting them in making such a positive change in the lives of young females," Jones said.

"There are many young females playing the game in Queensland who are experiencing period poverty and struggles within their lives, so we see great value in supporting Share the Dignity support these girls."

Jones said it was important to be part of education around female health and wellness to improve the lives of those struggling.

"We want to be part of creating an environment where young females feel safe and supported," Jones said, adding QRL was also ran education forums about working with female athletes across the southeast last month.

"We want to leverage the unique footprint QRL have across the state to raise awareness of social issues impacting our communities, including joining the conversation about the struggles girls and women have around period poverty."

QRL employees will be collecting period products and other essential items - all products in original packaging, including pads, tampons, maternity pads, period undies, menstrual cups and incontinence products - throughout March to help end period poverty.

QRL content producer Rikki-Lee Arnold, who took out the QRL's Best New Talent – ‘In the sheds’ award at the end of 2022, donated her $250 winnings to Share the Dignity.

“Share the Dignity do such important work in providing basic needs to women and girls around Australia,” Arnold said.

“I first came across them through their annual ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas appeal, which is such a beautiful and special way to get sanitary items and other toiletries - that should be much more easily accessible – plus some goodies to those in need.

“They provide a much-needed service that a lot of people have the privilege of not even having to think about and it’s a cause that deserves more attention.”