Imagine waking up to your period, only to realise you're out of supplies. For many Aboriginal women living in remote communities, this simple scenario can become a genuine crisis. Some community members need to travel up to 530 kilometres for supplies.
Through an exciting partnership between Underwear for Humanity and CAYLUS (Central Australian Youth Link Up Service), we're working to address this challenge.
"We have heard reports of rags and socks being used when sanitary products are not available," shares Bianca Rayner, CAYLUS Business Manager. Take a moment to let that sink in. In 2024, people in remote communities are forced to use whatever they can find, risking their health and dignity, simply because they can't access proper period care.
Getting Access
The challenges in remote communities go far beyond just access to products. Consider trying to manage your period when:
- Local store prices are significantly higher than city prices due to transport costs
- There might not be reliable access to washing machines or washing powder
- Bathrooms often lacking adequate facilities or regular disposal systems
- And unfortunately, the shame and stigma around buying period products can be overwhelming in small communities
CAYLUS has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, creating a network of close to 100 distribution points across 30 communities in Central Australia. But here's the tough reality: their government funding of $75,000 per year was cut in 2023, leaving them reliant on community support to continue this essential service.
Time of the Month, Time for Change: The Perfect Solution
When CAYLUS asked community members what would help them most, period underwear emerged as the preferred option. No need to constantly stock up on disposable products, no monthly stress about running out, and no environmental waste. It's a simple solution that brings dignity, comfort, and reliability.
"Period underwear has been identified and requested as the preferred option for menstrual care," explains Rayner.
Creating More Opportunities
This isn't just about period care – it's about access to opportunity. When women and girls can't reliably manage their periods, they might:
- Miss school or work days
- Skip important community events
- Face health risks from using unsafe alternatives
- Experience anxiety and stress about their next period
Every pair of period underwear we provide isn't just solving a monthly challenge; it's giving someone the freedom to live their life without interruption, to participate fully in their community, and to focus on their aspirations rather than their basic needs.
Through our partnership with CAYLUS, we're providing 1,000 pairs of period underwear to distribution points across Central Australia. CAYLUS's established network will ensure these products will reach women who need them most. And another 2,000 pairs to be distributed to Aboriginal women in Arnhem land via Country as Teacher.
- One pair of period underwear last at least three years
- Each pair replaces hundreds of disposable products
- Every donation directly supports dignity and health
- Your contribution helps maintain essential services that government funding no longer covers
Making Change Happen
Right now, women in remote communities are making impossible choices about their period care. Every day we wait is another day someone might miss school, skip work, or risk their health using unsafe alternatives.
We have the option to add 2 pairs of period undies at our checkout, this funds the production of the underwear that will be distributed. We were able to do these for $4.40 each because we tagged on to a very large order overseas and used deadstock fabric that was headed to landfill, but perfectly beautiful.
The real impact is in the daily differences: the confidence of a girl who can attend school regardless of if whether she has her period, the relief of a parent who no longer has to choose between buying period products or food, the dignity of community members knowing their basic needs matter.
Don't wait to make a difference. Your donation today means period dignity tomorrow for those who need it most. We have a listing of the undies; you can access it here:
👉 Support Now to provide period underwear to remote Central Australian communities
👉 Share this story with friends and family who care about making a difference
👉 Follow our journey on social media here to see your impact in action
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of 3,000 pairs. Your support matters.
