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Diversity, Inclusion, Sustainability & Transparency
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 our journey to empower, inspire, and create a new normal for periods in Aotearoa.
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 wāhine, 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, they have had an unwavering commitment to create a society where nobody misses out on life's opportunities simply because they have their period.
Dignity's 'Buy-one, Give-one' approach empowers workplaces, youth and community groups by providing free period products.
With a vision of achieving period equity in Aotearoa, Dignity is changing the game for periods.
We help workplaces to become more equitable and enhance wellbeing by providing period products, and we help people experiencing hardship, by providing free period products, to people without access.
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 wāhine, 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, they have had an unwavering commitment to create a society where nobody misses out on life's opportunities simply because they have their period.
Dignity's 'Buy-one, Give-one' approach empowers workplaces, youth and community groups by providing free period products.
With a vision of achieving period equity in Aotearoa, Dignity is changing the game for periods.
We help workplaces to become more equitable and enhance wellbeing by providing period products, and we help people experiencing hardship, by providing free period products, to people without access.
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 recognises the transformative impact of addressing the needs of people with periods at work. By providing free period products, 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 an inclusive environment that empowers employees, nurtures well-being, and fuels 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 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.
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 Feilding and wants to encourage more women in New Zealand to start their own businesses.
Lisa Maathuis
CEO
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 Impact Manager
Amy is our wonderful Ops and Impact Manager, she ensures all of our operations run smoothly and looks after the impact side of Dignity.
Rachel Reddish
Client and Admin Manager
Rachel is our amazing client manager, she supports our corporate clients to have a seamless experience with Dignity.
Felicity Evans
Advisory Board Member
Dignity Timeline
2016
Dignity took its first empowering steps, incorporating the business and establishing the buy one, give one model.
An essential partnership with Oi was forged, supplying certified organic tampons and pads.
Dignity Timeline
2017
Our journey gained momentum as we onboarded our first corporate Impact Partner in Wellington.
We extended support to four schools with free period products.
Additionally, we proudly achieved carbon neutrality through our partnership with EKOS.
Dignity Timeline
2018
Our impact grew with 50 schools now receiving free period products, and the introduction of the Oi menstrual cup to corporates and give partners.
Simultaneously, we obtained recognition as a Living Wage Certified and Ākina certified social enterprise.
Dignity Timeline
2019
This year marked our leadership in the Positive Periods Campaign.
Our Impact grew again, further supporting 110 schools with free period products.
We were also supplying 17 Corporate Impact Partners with essential period products.
Dignity Timeline
2020
We continued our unwavering commitment to our mission by expanding support to 180 school, youth, and community groups with free period products.
We started a new partnership with AWWA that allowed us to provide period underwear to corporates and give partners.
Furthermore, we were proud to be recognized as one of 30 Ccorps in New Zealand, alongside becoming carbon positive with EKOS.
Dignity Timeline
2021
The Positive Periods Campaign yielded significant results, resulting in free period products being available in schools.
We continued to extend our reach, supplying 70 Corporate Impact Partners with period products and supporting 203 school, youth, and community groups.
The remarkable achievement of gifting 546,780 individual period products so far was a testament to our unwavering dedication.
We wrapped up the year, with a wonderful recognition, winning the Impact Award for Wellbeing in the Inspiring Stories awards.
Dignity Timeline
2022
Our impact continued to flourish as we supplied 91 Corporate Impact Partners with period products and supported 220 school, youth, and community groups with free period products.
We celebrated our 6th birthday and the gifting of 546,780 Individual Period Products Gifted to date.
We enjoyed continued success and leadership in Period Equity and creating equitable workplaces, led to us being recognized as a key partner for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion NZ Conference.
Dignity Timeline
2023
This year, our journey reached new heights with 125 Corporate Impact Partners now receiving period products to create more equitable workplaces.
We've also hit a huge milestone of gifting over 900,000 individual period products to date.
We were also proud to do a collaboration symposium with FIFA Women's World Cup NZ and Tataki Auckland for Period Equity which showcased our commitment to advocating for menstrual equity across Aotearoa.
Some of the amazing brands we work with
Download the latest Impact Report
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