Lack of access to period products can lead to young people missing school in order to manage their period. Further, many young people do not have a good understanding of their periods and how they affect their bodies, which can contribute to shame and embarrassment.
To support Queensland school students to access period products and improve their understanding of menstruation, in 2021, the Queensland Government partnered with
Share the Dignity. Through this partnership, students in 155 Queensland state and non-state schools have access to free period products through the installation of Dignity Vending Machines (DVMs).
Following the initial success of the Share the Dignity in Queensland schools initiative, the Queensland Government committed to expanding the program to provide all Queensland state schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and student residential facilities the opportunity to provide free period products to students at their school.
Since the initiative commenced, more than 700 DVMs have been requested by state schools and over 450 of these DVMs have been installed. The March 2024 registration process has now closed. There will be further opportunities for all Queensland state schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and student residential facilities to register to receive a DVM in 2024.
In addition to providing access to free period products, the initiative continues to provide all Queensland state and non-state schools with free access to the Period Talk education program to build students' understanding of menstruation and the impact of periods.
Providing students with access to free period products and period education contributes to students' wellbeing and their readiness to engage positively at school, and reduces shame and stigma associated with menstruation.
Dignity Vending Machines
DVMs installed in schools dispense free period packs (6 tampons and 2 pads) to students on demand. Share the Dignity provides the free period packs for schools to restock DVMs as required.
Further information about the registration process and requirement for DVM installation is available to schools on OnePortal.
Period Talk
All Queensland schools have free access to the Period Talk education program. Developed by Talk Revolution, the program is designed to educate students in Years 5–8 about menstruation and the impact of periods. Topics include menstrual cycles, types of period products, managing periods, nutrition, period pain and when to seek help from the doctor, cultural factors and the impact of periods from a human rights and environmental perspective.
Information about how schools can request free access to Period Talk is available on the
Share the Dignity website. Queensland state schools can search for 'Share the Dignity' on OnePortal for more information.