GEKA Carnegie

#sharethedignity -  A movement toward gender equity

Natalie Cross, Early Childhood Teacher

 

GEKA Carnegie put their community efforts behind a movement created to overcome the challenge of period poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.    Share the Dignity began in 2012 with the simple act of collecting pads and tampons for women in need when domestic violence shelters ran out of products.

Family violence occurs across all demographics including those with gender, cultural, religious, socio economic differences. In Australia, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced it from a current or former partner (www.aihw.gov.au).  Up to 90% of families who experienced family violence also experience financial abuse (safesteps.org.au).  Financial abuse prevents (mostly) women from controlling their own finances independent of their partner.  Partners that use coercive control in their relationship will often deprive their partners of simple dignities including personal care.  Partners that have escaped abusive relationships are often struggling to afford basic housing and food. 

The Carnegie community contributed dozens of donations of essential personal care items including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, roll on deodorant and sanitary items.  We are proud of the impact we have in supporting the many families amongst us that are struggling.  It is all too common and sufferers need support at a family, community and government level. 

Further donations from the broader GEKA community can be made in March at local Woolworths.

https://sharethedignity.com.au/  

 

Confidential support for family violence 

1800RESPECT     https://www.1800respect.org.au/

The Orange Door https://orangedoor.vic.gov.au/\