Dignity & the Sustainable Development Goals

Period poverty is still very much a reality in New Zealand, and the lack of access to period products means that New Zealanders are missing out on work and education.

At Dignity, we don’t want anyone to miss out on opportunities just because they are on their period.

Our goal is to eradicate period poverty in Aotearoa. The work we do relates directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDGs 4, 5, 10 and 15.

The Sustainable Development Goals, or Global Goals, are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" (source).

At Dignity, we believe it is critical that sustainable practices sit alongside the implementation of our social mission. This is how we are working towards meeting SDGs 4, 5, 10 and 15.

4. Quality education

Girls and young menstruators should not miss out on education simply because they have their period. 14% of the schools we supported in Q3 2020 reported 31+ girls were able to attend school each month as a result of having access to Dignity products. 90% reported an increase in attendance in school.

Dignity was also proud to lead the Positive Periods Petition, which was instrumental in the Government providing free period products to all schools and kura since June 2021.

5. Gender equality

We have seen COVID-19 disproportionately impact women and we are committed to support, advocate, and provide a choice of period products to those without access.

10. Reduced inequalities

Dignity aims to play a leading part in normalising menstruation through education, advocacy, awareness, and menstruators' experiences shared widely. We are proud to work with the Gender Tick to promote gender equity in the workplace, as the provision of period products in the workplace is now a criterion for accreditation.

15. Life on land

We highly value our partnership with Organic Initiative. Their period products are biodegradable, compostable, 100% cotton and Fair Trade. We supply their certified organic cotton tampons, pads and liners and the zero waste Oi Cup. We also partner with AWWA to provide their period-proof NZ made underwear to anyone without access.

We are grateful to our Impact Partners who are making this possible. Through our Buy-one, Give-one initiative, we are supporting over 200 communities, schools, charities and organisations, helping them deliver period equity and supply free period products to those without access.