The Australian Women's Weekly

Driving change

Creating a more equal future for women starts with the most basic of necessitie­s, which is why the Naturalena Foundation has made period poverty an ethical focus.

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“It’s important to use every opportunit­y to raise awareness of period poverty.” – Adrian Forsyth

It’s hard to believe in this modern age that there are still girls and women who cannot live a normal life once a month due to a lack of sanitary products. From our own regional Australian towns and city streets to Third World countries, there’s a distinct lack of support globally.

Right on our doorstep

Astounding­ly, more than one million Australian women currently experience period poverty with limited access to sanitary items every month – causing considerab­le shame and, fundamenta­lly, a lack of dignity.

Naturalena Brands (producing brands like Veeda and Little Camper) have a life-changing outlook at the heart of their business. Not only are their products designed with an affordable, ethical footprint but their philanthro­pic work aims to help give consumers safer, healthier choices no matter where they are.

Co-founder and director of Naturelena Brands Adrian Forsyth has a deep desire to make the world a better place. Inspired by his wife, daughters and nieces, he’s ensured that a fundamenta­l pillar of the company is to help empower and support women worldwide. Out of this, the Naturalena Foundation was born, and to date they have donated millions of products to women across 10 countries (including Australia), working with global partners like World Vision and Womankind Worldwide.

A clear vision

“It’s so important to use every opportunit­y to raise awareness of period poverty – we need everyone to be aware of this issue,” says Adrian.

“The impact of period poverty, particular­ly for young women, is far-reaching. If a girl misses school each month due to the stigma and physical necessity of not having access to suitable sanitary products, her education is compromise­d thus impacting her future.

“Through the Naturalena Foundation, we can hopefully help to both educate about the issue and ultimately work with global parters to end period poverty both here and globally.”

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 ??  ?? Cause and effect: cofounder and director Adrian Forsyth with Veeda’s chief brand officer, Hilary Duff.
Cause and effect: cofounder and director Adrian Forsyth with Veeda’s chief brand officer, Hilary Duff.

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