The Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) is bringing attention to the urgency of period poverty in Australia, with a dedicated round to raise awareness of the issue facing thousands of women and girls.
The WNBL is the only professional league in Australia that has a round dedicated to fighting period poverty, with players speaking out about how we can normalise conversations about periods and ensure everyone who needs to can access period products.
In 2021, a survey of 125,000 Australians found that more than 1 in 5 people who menstruate have had to improvise on period products due to the cost.
This year, the WNBL Fighting Period Poverty round runs from January 24 to January 31 and is supported by Boody and Cygnett, raising funds for period charity Share the Dignity.
Captain of the Southside Flyers Bec Cole said it was imperative we all get more comfortable talking about periods and encouraged men to take part in the conversation.
“We shouldn’t feel embarrassed by our periods. The more we speak about it, the more comfortable it’ll be,’ Cole said.
“It’s also so important that our male colleagues are open to talking about it too and feel comfortable lending a hand if something happens to one of the girls on the team when she’s on her cycle — for example a leak. I do think we’re on the right track to breaking those barriers.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne Boomers squad member Jordin Canada wants to raise awareness of how the menstrual cycle can affect female athletes.
“People don’t understand how challenging it is to play sport when have your period,” Canada said. “Sometimes it’s hard to even get up in the morning and you have to compete to the best of your abilities.”
“Accessibility to menstruation products is a huge issue, and highlighting that is important, but it’s also important to simply normalise talking about periods,” said Kelsey Griffin, a three-time WNBL MVP recipient.
“Each cycle experience is unique so you don’t know what someone may be going through. For me, it’s cramps and brain fog that impact me most.”
During the round, WNBL players will wear themed t-shirts in their warm-ups and wear ‘Bloody Good Socks’. Both items are available for purchase with all funds raised going to Share the Dignity
Head of WNBL, Christy Collier-Hill also encouraged fans of the game to donate sanitary products when attending a game.
“As a women’s league, it’s important we support issues that affect women and girls, and we’re really proud to be working with Share the Dignity, with support from Boody and Cygnett, to positively impact period poverty in Australia,” Collier-Hill said.
“As well as raising awareness of the issue, we will have collection bins at every game during the round, and we encourage all our fans to bring sanitary products to the games to donate to this wonderful cause.
“If you can’t make it to a game, grab a pair of Bloody Good Socks, or buy period undies from Boody – both will help make an impact for women and girls in need.”
The WNBL has also announced the installation of the first dignity vending machine in South Australia, which has been facilitated from money raised from last season’s Fighting Period Poverty Round.
Feature Image: Bec Cole.