To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day (today, May 28), national charity Share the Dignity has written to every local councillor and mayor in Australia, urging them to take action on period poverty by joining the Council Cares program, a grassroots initiative that equips councils with practical tools to promote menstrual equity.

As we get closer to Christmas, we are reminded that there are those in the community trying to make life better for others who may be struggling, and Bernie Browning is one of those people.

Ballina Library has increased its ability to help women living in period poverty with the installation of a Dignity vending machine. The machine has been installed by the charity Share the Dignity, and dispenses free period packs. Each pack contains six tampons and two pads for those who need them.

Global figures are astounding with an estimated 500 million women and girls are living each month in period poverty – it is also estimated that in Australia, that figure is over 1 million.