ANY given school week in Australia, there's at least one teenage girl missing school because she doesn't have access to pads or tampons.
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That's why men and women are getting on the move this month, including the Sunshine Coast's Tracey Lumsden.
The 50-year-old has pledged to run 100km throughout October as part of Move4Dignity.
"So many girls missing school because they just don't have the sanitary items is just crazy," she told The Senior.
"We can afford $5 a month [for pads and tampons] but there are people choosing between that and a loaf of bread or bottle of milk."
But it's not just young girls who are affected.
Share The Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said the organisation helps homeless women and those fleeing domestic violence.
And it's older women leading the charge to support them.
Rochelle said the organisation's key donors areaged between 40 and 65, while the majority of their volunteers are over 55.
"You get to an age where you start to appreciate what you have," she said.
Move4Dignity is a virtual exercise challenge that encourages participants to set their own physical goals - whether it be running, doing yoga or another sport - to help raise money for women and girls to access the feminine hygiene products they need each month.
"It's just one step after another to realise that we can make a difference in the lives of women," Rochelle said.
- For more information or to take part in Move4Dignity, go to www.sharethedignity.org.au