It is hard to believe that in the 21st century that young women in Australia still suffer from shame and ignorance around a process that happens for almost 100 per cent of females.

During Women's Week in March, two national organisations are joining forces to host education events around menstruation for girls in Coonamble, Cobar and Bourke.

Interrelate are partnering with Share the Dignity after receiving a $15,000 grant under the 2025 New South Wales Women's Week program to host events that celebrate women’s diversity, creativity and empowerment.  

The events aim to empower girls aged 10-12 to gain confidence by educating them around their menstrual health. 

Two events will be held in each town.  

The first event is a school-based session for young women with Interrelate’s Relationships and Sexuality educators who will take them through a tailored and culturally safe 'Managing Menstruation' program. 

While it is part of NSW school curriculum to educate children about relationships and sexuality, this program is specifically tailored to teach young girls about menstruation.  

Head of Business Development at Interrelate, Clare Henderson, emphasised the need for menstrual education for young women in regional, rural and remote areas.  

"We know that women in regional and remote towns sometimes miss out on this type of education. It's really just a chance for girls to be given really specialized information."  

Each girl will also receive a Share the Dignity ‘It’s in the Bag’ kit filled with personal care items. 

Year 6 girls from Interrelate program. Image supplied.

The second event is an educational session for teachers and community leaders to inform and educate them about appropriate language around menstruation, to help young women in the community feel safe, supported and empowered. 

"The latest information is really just bringing awareness to what menstruating girls need. Asking as a teacher, or as a community leader, how can you support them?" said Henderson.  

Share the Dignity founder, Rochelle Courtenay, said events like these are crucial for breaking period stigma.  

“Breaking the shame and stigma around periods starts with education.  

"When young girls have the knowledge and confidence to manage their period with dignity, we create a future where no one feels ashamed or left behind."   

These events happen at the same time as the launch of Share the Dignity's new Eco Period Club.   

"By providing teens with more reusable period undies, they will be well equipped to manage their period with the dignity they deserve for years to come and be able to share with their peers knowledge around reusable period products," said Courtenay.  

NSW Women's Week runs from Sunday 2 March to Saturday 8 March this year. Further information on local events will be confirmed over the coming weeks.