QTU members are united to help end period poverty.
The QTU is proud to launch our new campaign - dignity. access. period.
Working alongside the Share the Dignity in Queensland schools initiative, we are calling for QTU members to join in supporting women and girls who menstruate, ensuring every person has access to the products, education and information needed to ensure they are never held back because of their period.
How can I get involved:
- Register for a Dignity Vending Machine for your school via OnePortal today.
Since its launch in 2022, the initiative, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has installed 800 Dignity Vending Machines® (DVM) in Queensland state schools, outdoor and environmental centres and student residential facilities, providing free period products to students at the push of a button.
The number of schools who have installed DVMs demonstrates a strong uptake of the initiative amongst secondary schools, speaking to the initiative’s successful integration into the secondary education landscape.
However, Share the Dignity’s Bloody Big Survey – the world’s largest body of data on menstruation – found that 48% of girls have their first period while still attending primary school. This is the perfect time for primary schools to register for a free DVM a help reduce the barrier to products some students face when they have their period.
- Educate yourself with information and resources to assist conversations with your students about periods.
All state schools who install a DVM receive Period Talk, a curriculum-approved education program aimed at boys and girls in Years 5-8.
This program is also available as a free digital download from the Share the Dignity website, and covers every menstruation topic imaginable, from cycles, available sanitary products, PMS and how different cultures manage periods.
- Donate period products.
We all know menstruating isn't a choice. Meaning access to period products is vital for girls and women at every stage of life. That’s why the QTU is partnering with Share the Dignity, calling for donations of period products to ensure women, girls and those who menstruate who are experiencing or at risk of domestic violence, homelessness or poverty have access to period products when they need them.
Commencing Term 1, 2026, donations of period products will be warmly accepted at QTU state council. QTU reps can deliver period related products in original packaging, including pads, tampons, reusable pads, period undies, menstrual cups and incontinence products to donation boxes at state council.
All donated products will be given to Share the Dignity for women facing homelessness or domestic violence.
