The WNBL has officially begun its second annual 'Fighting Period Poverty Round', eight games across eight days intended to bring awareness and help to women who are forced to go without period products.
In conjunction with clothing brand Boody, the WNBL's teams will don themed pre-game warm-up shirts, as well as ‘Bloody Good Socks’, with all items up for sale and the proceeds going towards charity Share The Dignity.
Now in its second year, the Fighting Period Poverty Round initiative has been incredibly well received by both the league, its players and fans, as well as the brands and charities involved.
Southside Flyers captain Bec Cole spoke about the importance of this round and initiatives such as this, saying that the increased exposure should also remove the stigma surrounding periods both in sport and wider society.
"We shouldn't feel embarrassed by our periods," Cole said.
"The more we speak about it, the more comfortable it’ll be.
"It’s also so important that our male colleagues are open to talking about it too and feel comfortable lending a hand if something happens to one of the girls on the team when she’s on her cycle — for example a leak. I do think we're on the right track to breaking those barriers.”
Former league MVP Kelsey Griffin also supported this idea of increased awareness of the issues, claiming a wider understanding is crucial.
"Accessibility to menstruation products is a huge issue, and highlighting that is important, but it's also important to simply normalise talking about periods," Griffin said.
"Each cycle experience is unique so you don't know what someone may be going through. For me, it’s cramps and brain fog that impact me most."
The WNBL's Fighting Period Poverty Round will run until January 31, and will also see Boody donate 1,000 pairs of period underwear, as well as matching every pair of period and leak-proof undies purchased online during the round with a pair donated to Share the Dignity.
WNBL Fighting Period Poverty Round schedule
| DATE | START TIME (AEDT) | GAME |
| Wed, Jan. 24 | 7:00 pm | Melbourne Boomers vs. Perth Lynx |
| Thu, Jan 25 | 6:00 pm | Bendigo Spirit vs UC Capitals |
| Thu, Jan 25 | 8:00 pm | Sydney Uni Flames vs Southside Flyers |
| Sat, Jan 27 | 7:30 pm | Townsville Flames vs Southside Flyers |
| Sun, Jan 28 | 3:00 pm | Adelaide Lightning vs UC Capitals |
| Tue, Jan 30 | 6:00 pm | Bendigo Spirit vs Melbourne Boomers |
| Tue, Jan 30 | 7:00 pm | UC Capitals vs Townsville Flames |
| Wed, Jan 31 | 7:30 pm | Southside Flyers vs Perth Lynx |
