At the end of every episode we like to ask our guests “If you could change one things in the world what would it be and why?'“ so we thought it would be fitting to finish season one with an episode on Kindness.
Who better to chat to than ‘The Pad Lady,’ Rochelle from Share the Dignity.
Rochelle started Share the Dignity in Brisbane when she read an article on Mia Freedman's page early in 2015 about homeless women and the difficulties they face when getting their period. Rochelle was shocked that these women needed to clean themselves in public toilets and use paper towels to create a makeshift sanitary pad.
Unable to be a bystander, knowing that no woman should suffer the indignity of choosing between eating or buying sanitary products. Rochelle decided to do something about it, and the first collection had the local community, friends, family, and local businesses come together collecting over 500 pads and tampons.
Rochelle’s initiative was such a success and she was thrilled that women would benefit from the collection by getting them out to some local great Brisbane charities to distribute.
It wasn’t long afterwards that Share the Dignity was contacted by a few domestic violence shelters, asking if they had any more sanitary items, sadly they had to say no. As a result, Rochelle has been determined never to have to say no again!
“The Standard you walk past is the standard you accept.” Rochelle Courtenay, Founder Share the Dignity
PLEASE NOTE: This interview was meant to be conducted face-to-face however after a last minute change (broken down car!) we decided to do it remotely. The audio quality is therefore a little low, but it's still a great listen!
