Breaking Barriers: The Power of Period Underwear in Arnhem Land
For many of us, managing our cycle is something we can do without much thought. But for thousands of Aboriginal women living in remote communities, it’s a challenge that impacts their dignity, health, and participation in daily life.
Underwear for Humanity has partnered with Country as Teacher to provide 2,000 pairs of period underwear to women in Arnhem Land, where access to Menstrual Health Hygiene (MHH) is extremely limited. This initiative is about more than just products—it’s about respect, autonomy, and sustainability.
We spoke with Mel Ladkin (who has also co-written and edited this blog), an Awabakal Wonnarua Bundjalung woman who splits her time across Bundjalung land and Yolŋu Country, artist, land conservationist, educator, cultural practitioner and co-founder of Country as Teacher, to understand why this project is so critical.
Firstly - It is essential to recognise that every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is unique, with its own connections to culture and ways of sharing knowledge. We also acknowledge that for many, this is private, women’s business and not always openly discussed.
The Macassans were the first to bring cloth and calico to our Northern coastlines, forging trade relationships with Yolŋu people. In acknowledging and honouring these early exchanges of trade & reciprocity, we offer a gift to our Miyalk (women) in return.
The knowledge held by our land and ancestors is woven through the stories passed down from our Elders. Our culture is living, dynamic, and ever-evolving—a continuum, entwined and layered through time.
wula - (give). The artwork created for Underwear for Humanity. This work embodies our mother, Country—holding, guiding, and sustaining us always.
A Hidden Struggle: What It’s Like to Manage ‘The time of our moon’ (MHH) in Remote Communities.
The reality is that most Australians don’t have an understanding of what living in remote & rural areas is like for women.
We would like to continue to expand to all communities experiencing difficulties accessing these basic needs.
Cultural sensitivities – “Menstrual health is deeply private. Some conversations around it simply don’t happen, making it even harder to access what’s needed.”
Limited access to stores – “There are no nearby shops, many must travel long distances to stores. The high cost of delivering goods to remote areas also means products are more expensive—sometimes up to 100% more—and less frequently available making essential items unaffordable”.
No rubbish collection –There’s no waste removal in these areas, no curbside collection. The Gulf Area hosts some of our most remote coastline but is inundated with some of the highest density of rubbish in the world. This is due to where it is geographically placed. To support the work of local rangers & stop plastic pollution that’s piling up on land and sea Country we would like to support the reduction of disposable and single use plastics in remote areas.
Handwashing is the norm – Many remote communities face significant challenges in accessing necessities such as functioning toilets, sometimes power, clean water & access to washing machines. Hand washing underwear is easy, discreet and accessible.
Women in remote communities can sometimes miss school, work, community events, and social activities during the time of our moon.
Period underwear is a discreet, reusable, and sustainable alternative that makes managing your ‘time of the moon’ easier, while also reducing plastic waste in communities that rely on the land.
Why This Initiative Matters
This is about more than convenience—it’s about equity. “Every woman deserves to manage their MHH cycle with dignity,” Mel said.
The impact of access to period care goes beyond physical health:
✔ Prevents school and work absences – When women and girls can’t access products, they may miss out on education, employment, and community life.
✔ Supports the environment – Reusable underwear means less plastic waste in places with no waste disposal systems.
✔ Empowers women – It allows women to focus on their lives, not the monthly stress of period management.
“This gift can be life-changing for some; it's the first time they’ve had access to an option like this. The communities we’ve connected with so far are excited and eager to receive their first pairs” Mel Said.
We hope to support menstrual health equity in a way that is culturally sensitive and appropriate.
Our Community Has Made This Possible
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our customers, this initiative is happening. At checkout, most of you have bought period undies that we are passing on to these communities.
“When given the opportunity, people care. They want to help,” Mel shared. “And this project shows how real change can happen when we come together.”
“For many, English is not a first language, it is often their 4th or 5th!, so we’re also developing visual washing instructions” Mel explains to ensure accessibility.
How You Can Be Part of This Change
💚 Support the Initiative – Every purchase helps us send more period underwear for First Nations women in remote communities. You have already helped!
💚 Share This Story – Awareness leads to action.
Thanks for being here with us, you’re deadly.
Mel Ladkin + Kelly Barrett (Founder UH)
