tissues wont cut it 🩸
I once remember not being allowed to sit with a particular group of girls at school because I had not yet gotten my period.
It was primary school, so I was maybe 11ish at the time.
It was cold, and having just come out of class I saw a bunch of girls sitting in a circle under the shelter.
I wasn't really close friends with any of them, but for some odd reason, I thought it would be a good idea to break the ice and get to know them (I must have been feeling exceptionally confident that day).
When I answered the question quietly and honestly, I walked away thinking something was wrong with me.
I was a late bloomer, but it was eventually my time to shine.
I was also much too shy to speak to anyone about it, let alone go to the store to buy pads.
I had a weird relationship with my mum at the time, and there was absolutely no way I could speak to my dad.
I would make shift with what I could find, which usually involved tissues.
I don't recommend tissues. They would scrunch up and get uncomfortable almost instantly.
I eventually sorted myself out pads-wise, but I still marvel to this day at how long I went without them.
How I kept it my own little secret for so long, ashamed of something that was as normal as having boobies and armpit hair.
Fast forward a couple of decades later, and I have two daughters of my own.
And you better believe I have already started talking to the eldest (five lol) about how eventually she will get her period and that she can still continue to live her life, and that it happens so that our bodies can one day (if we choose too) have babies ourselves. (Look, I don't really know too much about the science of it, but I assume that's the basic just right?).
This then got me thinking... IMAGINE if I didn't have access to pads.
Imagine if purchasing tampons or food was the choice you had to make with your last few dollars?
- 64% of menstruators have struggled to afford period products at some point in their life due to the cost.
- 83% of Aboriginal/Torres Straight Islanders have struggled to afford them.
- 78% of those with a chronic condition or disability have also struggled.
- 83% of the gender-diverse community continue to find it hard also.
Almost 1 in 4 people are wearing a tampon or pad for more than 4 hours due to cost.
These numbers are part of our community, and very likely can be traced back to someone you know.
That's why Nin Yoga has set up two collection stations for the month of August, one at either our St Mary's or Penrith Studio, to collect period products for those in need on behalf of Share The Dignity.
These can be things like:
Pads (period and incontinence)
Liners
ampons
Cups
Period Undies
All items need to be new and unopened. So next time you are at the shops, please grab one for yourself or your loved one and then one for our boxes.
These will then be picked up next month and distributed to all those in need.
And hey, if you are struggling right now, know that there are period products at both Nin Yoga St Marys and Penrith you are always welcome to use. They are in the bathroom, and we are always happy to share.
Thank you for giving us this platform to help those in need with you (and shout out to Shelly for letting me take a picture for her mid-donation!)
Annika xx
P.S Castle Hill Studio is still set to be live for bookings on September 2nd! I am just doing the whole backend setting up thing at the moment which you know is just enormous fun (insert sarcasm here). Hopefully, this time next week, it's done!
P.P.S We raised $540.85 for the Animal Welfare League last Friday in our Restorative Aerial Yoga Fundraiser with Katie and Jennifer. Thank you to both of them for their time and to the 8 students who booked out the session.
P.P.S Yoga Teacher Training has started getting enrollments! If Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings work for you, click here.
