While major strides have been made to elevate and invest in women’s sport in New Zealand, one basic barrier continues to sideline emerging stars - access to period products.
Research commissioned by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa (Sport NZ) showed that a lack of education and access to period products has continued to limit participation and confidence, reinforcing the call for period care to be treated as a standard part of sporting infrastructure, not an afterthought.
To help tackle the issue, Woolworths New Zealand and its supply partners have teamed up with The Period Place to launch their nationwide appeal, aiming to improve period equity with a cash donation and free period products to community clubs across the country.
The four-week appeal will see Woolworths New Zealand donate five cents from the sale of every period product sold during the month.
Suppliers U by Kotex, Libra, Tom, Stayfree, Carefree, Tampax, Oi Organics, Vagisil, Femfresh and Woolworths own brand Evamay are also supporting by donating a single period product (e.g. tampon, pad, cup, underwear or liner) for every pack sold.
Woolworths customers don’t need to do anything extra to contribute – simply buying their usual period products in store or online from participating brands this month triggers a cash and product donation.
Woolworths New Zealand’s Director of Brand, Bríd Drohan-Stewart, said that the appeal is about driving lasting impact beyond the supermarket aisle.
“We know that real equity in sport – and in life – means showing up for people’s basic needs. That includes making period care accessible, whether you’re on the field, at school in the workplace or out in the community,” said Drohan-Stewart.
“We’re proud to help break down stigma, support inclusion from the grassroots up and partner with organisations like The Period Place to make period care normal, visible and available to everyone who needs it.”
The four-week appeal is running in all Woolworths supermarkets until the 7th of September.
