At Hey Zomi, we believe that access to period care is a basic human right, not a luxury. No one should have to compromise their health or dignity due to the cost or availability of menstrual products. That's why tackling period poverty in Australia isn't a side mission for us - it's a cause deeply embedded in how we operate, what we stand for, and where we give back.
Understanding Period Poverty in Australia 🇦🇺
Period poverty occurs when individuals lack access to safe, reliable, and affordable menstrual products. But it's not just about products; it's about dignity, opportunity, and equality.
Without adequate period care, people may miss school and work, face health risks from unhygienic alternatives, and often carry a deep sense of shame reinforced by stigma and silence.
According to Share the Dignity's Bloody Big Survey:
- 64% of menstruating Australians have faced a time when they couldn't afford period products.
- 1 in 5 said they had to improvise with toilet paper or socks.
- Globally, 1 in 10 people who menstruate lack access to any menstrual products at all.
These aren't just numbers - they're stories of missed opportunities, interrupted education, and avoidable shame.
Why We Partner with Share the Dignity 💪
We're proud to have supported Share the Dignity for years, an Australian organisation leading the fight to end period poverty through hands-on impact and bold advocacy.
Their community initiatives - like the Dignity Drives, #ItsInTheBag campaign, and vending machines stocked with free products - make it easier for people doing it tough to get the care they need without judgement or delay.
We chose to partner with them because they're values-driven, action-led, and deeply committed to equity - just like us. It's not just about donation numbers; it's about building a future where no one is left behind because of their cycle.
What Hey Zomi Is Doing to Help 💛
At Hey Zomi, we're committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of Australians facing period poverty. To date, we've donated over 1,000 reusable menstrual discs to Share the Dignity, providing a sustainable and long-term solution for those in need.
Supporting Teenagers Through the Eco Period Club 🌱
Understanding the unique challenges teenagers face, we've contributed 1,000 menstrual discs to Share the Dignity's Eco Period Club. This initiative offers free reusable period products to teens aged 13-19, aiming to educate and empower them to manage their periods sustainably. By introducing young individuals to reusable options, we hope to foster confidence and reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation. Find out more here.
Enhancing Period Education in Schools 📚
Education is key to breaking down menstrual stigma. We've donated hundreds of menstrual discs to Share the Dignity's school education kits, which are distributed to primary and secondary schools across Australia. These kits provide teachers with resources to educate students about various menstrual products, including the newer option of menstrual discs, expanding the conversation beyond traditional pads and tampons.
Reaching Diverse Communities 🤝
Our partnership with Share the Dignity extends to various programs supporting Indigenous communities, women's shelters, and initiatives like the ‘It's in the Bag’ campaign. By providing menstrual discs as part of these programs, we aim to ensure that individuals from all walks of life have access to safe and sustainable period care.
Every contribution counts, and we're proud to support initiatives that align with our mission to promote menstrual equity across Australia.
The Link Between Sustainability and Period Poverty ♻️
While not every reusable product is the right fit for every person, reusable period care like menstrual discs can be a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of poverty. For people with access to washing facilities, these products offer:
- Long-term cost savings - one Hey Zomi disc can last up to five years. One menstrual disc is all you need every day of your period, every period.
- Less waste - good for the environment and our bodies.
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More comfort and flexibility - you don’t have to swap over period products, have to find bathrooms as frequently or be at risk because you’re using pads or tampons longer than you should.
At Hey Zomi, it's not about pushing a solution onto people who may benefit by having a menstrual disc, it's about offering more options and better education on these products, to empower more people. The Hey Zomi menstrual disc is soft and comfortable, with added convenience when you may not be able to access bathrooms easily. It gives people more autonomy when it comes to managing their period, and we bloody love that! 💃🏽
Why Conversation Matters 💬
We can't end period poverty if we can't talk about periods.
The stigma surrounding menstruation is one of the biggest barriers to change. When people feel ashamed or silenced, it becomes harder to ask for help, seek support, or advocate for better policies.
That's why normalising period conversations is a core part of our mission at Hey Zomi. Whether it's chatting with our community, partnering with advocates, or posting honestly online. At Hey Zomi, we’re committed to making period talk safe and normal.
Join Us in the Fight to End Period Poverty ✊
Tackling period poverty requires collective action—and your role matters.
✅ Donate to Share the Dignity's year-round programs.
✅ Start conversations that normalise periods and challenge stigma.
✅ Choose products with purpose—like our Hey Zomi Menstrual Disc.
Together, we can build a future where everyone has access to safe, sustainable period care - no matter their location, income, or story.
Support Share the Dignity or shop with purpose at Hey Zomi.
Let's end period poverty, one cycle at a time. 💫
