WNBL HAS REAL IMPACT ON PERIOD POVERTY

The Cygnett WNBL’s second annual Fighting Period Poverty Round– a round aimed at making a difference for the 1 in 5 Australians who experience period poverty – has had real impact.

It was a remarkable effort across the round by all involved, particularly Cygnett, Boody, Share the Dignity, iAthletic, WNBL clubs, athletes and staff, which saw some fantastic and tangible outcomes.

• 1 dignity vending machine which distributes free sanitary products, installed in the Murray Bridge Library in South Australia, ensuring all women and girls in the area can now manage their periods with comfort and dignity;
• 7 WNBL games played across the round, all with Share the Dignity collection bins at their stadiums, fans donating sanitary products to those in need;
• 61 sanitary products collected across the round;
• 94 WNBL athletes warming up in Fighting Period Poverty t-shirts, and playing in Bloody Good Socks;
• 300 bags of essential items packed and distributed to women and girls in need;
• 1,000 pairs of period undies donated by BOODY to those in need;
• 1,500 pairs of Bloody Good Socks sold;
• 3.1 million people reached with our bloody good message.

Round partner BOODY donated over 1,000 pairs of period underwear to those in need throughout the round. Ruth Haffenden, Boody’s Global Head of Brand and Marketing, shared why they’re involved.

“As a brand obsessed with comfort, we feel uncomfortable with the lack of rhetoric and awareness around menstruation and period poverty. We’re proud to have actively contributed to an initiative that authentically inspires positive change in the lives of vulnerable Australians.”

League Naming Rights Partner, Cygnett, donated $1 from every product sold on their website until January 31, raising a total of $3,044. Partnerships Manager, Grace Carroll, noted the ongoing commitment from Cygnett to the cause.

“Cygnett are honoured to have been a part of this shared initiative alongside the WNBL and Share the Dignity.  Cygnett is really proud to have formed a strong long-term partnership with both Share the Dignity and the WNBL over the last few years. Both partnerships help to support women both on and off the court. As a brand, Cygnett are committed to continually finding new ways to support Share the Dignity’s mission to eradicate Period Poverty.”

Head of WNBL, Christy Collier-Hill, was thrilled with the outcomes.

“It was a collective effort by all involved in the WNBL to achieve what we did, and for that we’re really appreciative and really proud. We know the WNBL is so much more than just what we put on the court, and our platform enables us to have real community impact. To do that in the way we have through this round is just brilliant.”

Share the Dignity Founder and Managing Director, Rochelle Courtney, acknowledged the efforts and support.

“We have certainly come such a long way since I started Share the Dignity, 8 years ago period was a word mostly said in a whisper, so to see the period pride shown on and off the court by the WNBL during the Fighting Period Poverty round makes me so proud.

It has been great to see so many people get around the Bloody Good Socks at the games, men included. Periods are not just a ‘women’s issue’ so to see everyone joining us on the journey to ensure menstrual equity here in Australia is incredibly special, and I am so grateful for the WNBL’s support to make this possible.”

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