Ending period poverty in Australia

Share the Dignity brings dignity to those who menstruate who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, domestic violence, or poverty through the distribution of period products and #ItsintheBag donations filled with essential items. The charity is powered by volunteers, and through Rochelle’s contagious spirit over 6,000 volunteers have jumped on board to make a difference. 

Share the Dignity has collected and distributed over 4.4 million period products through multiple initiatives across Australia. As well as holding national collections, Rochelle is passionate about advocating for change and creating long-term solutions, most recently though Share the Dignity’s 2024 Bloody Big Survey. 

Rochelle has received accolades for her work including Finalist Australian of the Year, Cosmopolitan Humanitarian of the Year and Pride of Australia. She is this weeks Pro Bono Australia Change Maker!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

My journey leading to my current role at Share the Dignity was sparked by a powerful realisation. After reading an article highlighting the struggles women faced during their periods, using makeshift solutions like socks and wadded-up toilet paper, I was moved to make a difference. Prior to founding Share the Dignity, I successfully managed my personal training business, guiding and empowering over 40 women each week. Additionally, I ran my own photography business, capturing timeless moments. Although I had to let go of my photography venture, I continued to dedicate myself to personal training until Share the Dignity reached its five-year milestone. Reflecting on those hectic times of juggling two full-time roles, it’s a wonder how I managed, but the journey has brought us to where we are today.

Take us through a typical day of work for you.

Working for Share the Dignity feels more like a passion than a job. No two days are alike, and I cherish the variety. On days when I’m at home, I kickstart my routine with a brisk walk or exercise. When I’m travelling interstate, my day involves navigating through meetings, often choosing to walk whenever I can, otherwise, I am in and out of Ubers to get around. My work involves a lot of meetings but engaging with the incredible individuals in our small but mighty team in our head office, our volunteers, or our charity and corporate partners, is a daily highlight. Share the Dignity is like a dynamic train with numerous carriages, and while I have an exceptional team, I enjoy being involved in all aspects of the charity to ensure its continued success.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Making a meaningful impact requires a collective effort, and I’m grateful for the team that joined me in realising the vision for Share the Dignity.  It takes a team to create ripples that drive meaningful transformation. I am so grateful to everyone who saw this issue, the vision I had for Share the Dignity and, like me, understood the implications of doing nothing. The most significant challenge in my career was starting the organisation with just a vision and an idea, relying solely on volunteers. This led to severe burnout, both for me and others. Transitioning to paid employees was a game-changer, allowing us to achieve more. Starting a charity meant enduring 80-hour work weeks for close to a decade, but today, in 2024, burnout is a distant memory, thanks to having the right team in place.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

Rochelle, not everyone will be your cup of tea, but rest assured, you’ll be someone’s shot of vodka!

How do you unwind after work?

I’m fortunate to have grandchildren who fill my heart with joy. There’s nothing like seeing their faces and getting a warm hug. When that’s not possible, I find solace in tending to my garden, enjoying a quiet dinner, and ensuring I’m in bed by 9 pm. I also thrive by embracing the stillness of the world at 5 am, I find it helps ensure I’m ready to conquer a new day.