About
Our Story
Our Values
Diversity, Inclusion, Sustainability & Transparency
Dignity is an award-winning social enterprise, on a mission to create period equity in Aotearoa.
That means that no one misses out on work, education, sports, or anything else because they don’t have access to period products. Founded in 2017 by two amazing wahine, Miranda Hitchings and Jacinta Gulasekharam through the VicLink Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, they bulit on their idea to create accessibility of affordable and sustainable period products for all menstruators in New Zealand. Since then, we have had an unwavering commitment to create a society where nobody misses out on life's opportunities simply because they have their period.
Through our innovative 'Buy-one, Give-one' program and impactful gifting initiatives, Dignity aims to empower workplaces, youth, and community groups and public spaces by providing free-period products.
With a vision of achieving period equity in Aotearoa, Dignity is changing the game for periods, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where nobody is held back by the limitations of their periods. Join Dignity on their journey to empower, inspire, and create a new normal for periods in Aotearoa and achieve Period Equity.
Dignity is an award-winning social enterprise, on a mission to create period equity in Aotearoa.
That means that no one misses out on work, education, sports, or anything else because they don’t have access to period products. Founded in 2017 by two amazing wahine, Miranda Hitchings and Jacinta Gulasekharam through the VicLink Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, they bulit on their idea to create accessibility of affordable and sustainable period products for all menstruators in New Zealand. Since then, we have had an unwavering commitment to create a society where nobody misses out on life's opportunities simply because they have their period.
Through our innovative 'Buy-one, Give-one' program and impactful gifting initiatives, Dignity aims to empower workplaces, youth, and community groups and public spaces by providing free-period products.
With a vision of achieving period equity in Aotearoa, Dignity is changing the game for periods, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where nobody is held back by the limitations of their periods. Join Dignity on their journey to empower, inspire, and create a new normal for periods in Aotearoa and achieve Period Equity.
Creating Period Equity
Dignity's 'Buy-one, Give-one' approach is a catalyst for change, it allows businesses to not only prioritise the well-being of their employees but also uplift those affected by period poverty. Dignity gifts the equivalent amount of period products purchased by businesses, to Give Partners like food banks, youth groups, teen parent units and more, to ensure that everyone has access and that no one misses out, fostering a culture of equality and inclusivity.
Equitable and Inclusive Workplaces and Public Spaces
Dignity recognizes the transformative impact of addressing the unique needs of people with periods at work. WE understand that well-being initiatives extend beyond yoga classes and unconscious bias training. By providing free period products to businesses, Dignity acknowledges the vital role that employers play in supporting their diverse workforce. Our 'Buy-one, Give-one' approach is a catalyst for change. By partnering with forward-thinking businesses like ANZ, Xero, Sharesies and Westpac we help to create more inclusive environment that empower employees, nurtures their well-being, and fuels their professional growth. Through Dignity, businesses have witnessed a remarkable 82% increase in personal support felt by their valued team members.
Inspiring Change and Eradicating Stigma
Dignity goes beyond providing period products; they are advocates for societal change. By sharing impactful Impact Reports, Dignity pioneers the charge against the stigma surrounding periods and period poverty. Their unwavering dedication to actively reduce the barriers faced by menstruators drives nationwide change. Through partnerships with schools, youth organizations, and community groups, Dignity has gifted over 860,00 individual period products instilling hope, confidence, and a sense of dignity for people across Aotearoa. Their aspirational vision emboldens everyone to join the movement and create a world where period equity is a reality.
Our Partners
Meet the Team
Miranda Hitchings and Jacinta Gulasekharam first founded Dignity through the VicLink Entrepreneurial Bootcamp, fostering their idea to create accessibility of affordable and sustainable period products for all menstruators in New Zealand.
Miranda Hitchings
Co-founder and Director
Miranda comes from Christchurch and is driven to bring meaning to corporate social responsibility within the business world.
Jacinta Gulasekharam
Co-founder and Director
Jacinta comes from Fielding and wants to encourage more women in New Zealand to start their own business.
Lisa Maathuis
General Manager
Lisa is passionate about creating a bigger impact on the delivery of period equity to people across New Zealand and reducing the stigma and shame associated with periods.
Amy Richards
Operations and Account Manager
Amy ensures all of our businesses and schools receive their period care packages, and helps manage our corporate orders.
Grant Fogo
Advisory Board Member
Felicity Evans
Advisory Board Member
Dignity Timeline
2016
Incorporated business and validated buy give one model
Oi partnership to supply certified organic tampons and pads
Subheading
Download the latest Impact Report
