Question 1

1. What is Developing Dignity?

Accepted Answer

Developing Dignity focuses on these three areas:
Positive conversations:
Developing Dignity is all about inspiring period positivity. Developing Dignity aims to inspire positive conversations and education around periods for all. We are passionate about everyone having the opportunity to receive good education, time for discussion and a safe space to answer any questions about periods and puberty.
Tackling Period poverty:
Period poverty is a global issue that affects mainly women and girls, not only across the world but also right here in the UK. By more people being aware of period poverty, more people can help to find solutions and better support others. This includes supporting their peers in the classroom and family members at home.
Education on sustainable period products:
There has been a major shift in the last few years in the range of sustainable and reusable period products now available. Pads and tampons are not the only options! Sustainable period products are great alternatives which are better for the environment by reducing waste; this is something we know younger generations care hugely about and Developing Dignity wants to empower young people to make wise decisions both financially and environmentally.

Question 2

2. What is Period Poverty?

Accepted Answer

Period Poverty is a complex global issue. There are 3 main challenges of period poverty.
Not having access to period products:
The first is people not having access to appropriate period resources. “1 in 7 girls have struggled to afford sanitary wear” and “1 in 5 girls have changed to a less suitable sanitary product due to cost”(Plan International, 2018).
Quality education:
The 2nd is both genders not having access to good quality education about why people have periods and how to effectively manage them. This is a big challenge as “1 in 4 girls and young women across the UK said they felt unprepared for the start of their period and 1 in 7 said they didn’t know what was happening” (Plan International 2017).
As adults we may assume that our children are being taught about periods in school. Or as teachers we may assume that periods are being taught at home. We cannot assume that all children will have access to quality conversations around periods and puberty. During a workshop a year 5 girl was asked whether she had talked to her family about periods before this workshop. She responded that she had asked her mum about periods and her mum said “you will learn in school about periods”.
Confidence to overcome barriers:
The 3rd challenge is people lacking confidence to overcome the barriers that periods may pose. In some cultures, periods are seen as a taboo which makes it harder for people to talk about them and receive the support that they need. “11% of girls Plan International surveyed had been told not to talk about periods in front of their fathers”.  
Someone may experience one or more of these challenges at any one time; Developing Dignity exists to tackle these challenges and overcome barriers.

Question 3

3. Why does Developing Dignity exist?

Accepted Answer

Developing Dignity is all about inspiring period positivity. The founder, Beth Henwood has found that in her experience many people have not had the opportunity to have positive conversations about periods. This is not to say that having a period is always a positive experience. But being able to have conversations about periods in a safe space is positive.
Why do we have periods?
How do people deal with the side effects?
What period products are available and how do you use them?
How can we support others on their period?
Understanding that periods are complicated, and everyone’s experience of periods is unique, is an important part of life.
The challenge is when people do not have an opportunity to have these open conversations. Here are a few examples of what can happen as a result.
Girls can start their period without knowing what is happening making it a is a very stressful experience for something that is natural and normal.
Other peers and teachers may not know about periods which will make it harder for them to know how best to support others with their periods.
Girls who struggle to access period products may use inappropriate resources instead and miss out on their education.
Through better understanding people’s experiences of periods, we can all support people better and Developing Dignity aims to give people a safe space to have these conversations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Developing Dignity?

2. What is Period Poverty?

3. Why does Developing Dignity exist?

4. How do the workshops fit into the national curriculum?

5. What age group are the workshops aimed at?

6. How much do the workshops cost?

7. How many children do the workshops work well for?

8. How will you ensure that all children can participate fully?

9. Is your delivery face to face or online?

10. Can I have a shorter workshop?

11. Do the sessions work well with boys and girls together?

12. Do you cover all of the UK?

13. What do other schools think?

14. How can I book and/or get in touch?

15. Do teachers need to be present during workshops?

16. We would like to work with Developing Dignity in another capacity, could you offer something bespoke?"

17. Does Developing Dignity have child protection and safeguarding policies in place?

18. What is Developing Dignity’s photo policy?

19. I have a question that has not been answered on this page