Period poverty exists all across Australia, and the shame and stigma around menstruation continue to be an issue. In its latest Bloody Big Survey, women’s charity Share the Dignity found that 64% of menstruators have struggled to afford period products due to cost, while 76.5% missed an activity due to a fear of leaking and staining their clothes.
The 2024 Third Sector Awards panel recognised the extensive work involved in this survey campaign and the social change it advocates for, and that’s why Brittiny Edwards, Share the Dignity’s Advocacy & Communications Specialist, won the Campaign/Marketing Executive of the Year award. Get to know her and the organisation she represents through this exclusive interview by Third Sector.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the social sector?
I’ve always been drawn to the idea of making a difference through my work. I began my career as a journalist, but I’d often say that if I ever shifted into marketing or communications, it would have to be for a cause I truly believed in, and I’m proud I made that intention a reality. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about waking up every day knowing that the work you do is not only meaningful but that it also actively contributes to real, tangible change in people’s lives.
What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
For me, the most rewarding part is hearing directly from the people who have been impacted by the work we do. One example that stayed with me is from our It’s in the Bag campaign, where we collect and distribute bags filled with essentials to women, girls and those who menstruate across Australia.
I had the privilege of speaking with a woman who had fled a violent relationship with her teen daughter in tow. When she arrived at a refuge, she and her daughter received one of our bags. She told me it brought a sense of hope during a dark time in her life. That bag reminded her that someone out there cared. She’s now in a position where she’s helping other women walk that same difficult path. Stories like that remind me why this work matters and why I’m so proud to be a part of it.
What is the most impactful project you have worked on so far?
Without a doubt, the Bloody Big Survey has been the most impactful project of my career. It was a massive undertaking from crafting the right questions to developing a marketing strategy that helped us receive more than 150,000 responses, and finally, working with Swinburne University of Technology to release a meaningful, data-led report. I now focus on our advocacy campaigns at Share the Dignity, and the insights from the survey are driving everything we do. It’s powerful to see how data can turn into advocacy, and advocacy can lead to change. Being involved from start to finish has been both a challenge and an honour.
Tell us more about Share the Dignity. What is something unique about the organisation?
What makes Share the Dignity so special is the real, tangible impact we have on people’s lives. The period products you donate, or the It’s in the Bag you lovingly pack, end up in the hands of someone experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or living in extreme poverty. There’s something incredibly powerful in knowing that a simple act can provide comfort, dignity and even hope to someone going through an incredibly tough time.
I also love that our work goes beyond meeting immediate needs. We’re not only collecting and distributing essential items; we’re also advocating for long-term systemic change and providing educational resources to break down shame and stigma around menstruation. Our work is about creating a future where everyone can manage their period with dignity. It’s that combination of practical support and long-term vision that makes Share the Dignity such a powerful force for change, and it’s an honour to be a part of it.
How do you feel about winning at the 2024 Third Sector Awards?
It was such an honour (and a little surreal) to receive that recognition. So often, the work we do in the sector is behind the scenes and deeply collaborative, so while the award had my name on it, it belonged to the incredible team at Share the Dignity. Winning was a reminder that campaigns built with empathy and purpose can cut through and create impact, and that there’s real value in marketing for social change.
What advice would you give aspiring leaders in this sector?
Working in the charitable sector is incredibly rewarding, but it’s not always easy. Resources are often stretched, the problems we’re trying to solve are complex and the emotional toll can be real. That’s why it’s so important that your goals align with your passion. When you truly care about the cause, it shows in your work. It becomes your anchor. People can feel when you’re genuinely driven by purpose, and that authenticity not only inspires others but also creates a deeper impact. So, if you’re thinking about stepping into this space, make sure your heart is in it because that’s where the magic happens.
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Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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