Sport has always been about more than the scoreline. It is about confidence, community, and camaraderie. Yet for too many girls and women in Aotearoa, a lack of access to period products or the anxiety of managing their cycle can mean sitting out rather than showing up.
Western Springs AFC made a simple but powerful change in recent years, swapping their white shorts for black, a move designed to make players feel more comfortable playing every week of the month. For the players, it has been transformative. For the rest of us, it is a reminder of the wider issue of period equity in sport faced by many women every day.
Research commissioned by Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa (Sport NZ) in 2024 shows that a lack of education and access to period products continues to limit participation and confidence across grassroots clubs, reinforcing the call for period care to be treated as a standard part of sporting infrastructure, not an afterthought.
The pilot ran across 48 community sport clubs, supplying over 45,000 pads and 44,200 tampons in changing rooms and bathrooms. Nearly 6,000 players were surveyed, with many reporting that having these products available made them feel more valued and removed barriers to participation. A player from Pakuranga United Rugby Club said, “The products are free to players and easy to access, and it takes the shame away from not being able to afford things … I think that’s fantastic.”
Clubs reported improved attendance, more open conversations about menstruation and a positive shift in culture. A coach from Te Awamutu AFC said, “The initiative just shows that we care about our female players … it’s part of supporting their growth within the club.”
When the pilot ended, The Period Place was inundated with requests from clubs and schools across the country wanting help to continue providing free products. The message could not be clearer. Access matters. “Clubs were calling to ask how they could keep the support going. It’s simple – when people have access to period products, they can focus on the game,” says Debbie Baker, General Manager of The Period Place.
To help tackle the issue, Woolworths New Zealand and its supply partners have teamed up with The Period Place for a nationwide appeal, aiming to improve period equity across the country. “Woolworths’ ongoing support means we can continue getting these products into the places they’re needed most,” adds Baker.
From 11 August to 7 September, Woolworths will donate five cents from the sale of every period product sold in store or online. Participating brands, including U by Kotex, Libra, Tom, Stayfree, Carefree, Tampax, Oi Organics, Vagisil, Femfresh and Woolworths’ own brand Evamay will also donate one period product for every pack purchased.
For many of us, supporting causes like this feels deeply personal. It is about creating a society where our daughters, nieces, friends and colleagues are empowered to participate fully. It is also about modelling equity and inclusivity in the spaces that shape our communities.
Period equity in sport is not just a women’s issue. It is a community one. And with small, collective action, we can ensure that the playing field is truly level.
