Valkyries players were involved in a successful launch of the Red Box campaign, an initiative to combat period poverty, at their Tyrrells Premier 15s match against Bristol Bears at Sixways on Saturday.
As well as helping to raise awareness of the Red Box campaign, which has been launched by Worcester Community Trust to provide sanitary products for women and girls cannot afford them, the Valkyries collected six large bin liners full of sanitary products which will be distributed in the red boxes at six community centres across the city.
“We collected six bin liners of sanitary products from players, spectators and officials at Sixways. The success of the day really was far beyond our expectations, the generosity of people was really inspirational,” said Worcestershire County Councillor Richard Udall.
“The products will go to the six community centres in Worcester and will be used by girls and women who need them.
“Period poverty is real, it effects so many people, stigma is also a concern, people don’t like to ask for help. The red boxes will be available so those in need can just help themselves.
“We are determined to end period poverty in Worcester, we believe free sanitary products should also be available in local schools, We know girls are missing every month from education, because they can’t afford to buy the products, this has to end. We will continue our campaign until every woman and girl does not have to worry every month about how to find the money to buy such essential products.
“Worcester Valkyries have really helped us to raise the profile of the issue and I thank them and their opponents Bristol Bears for allowing us to attend and to collect the products and for being involved in such a great and important campaign.
“Worcester Community Trust who run our community centres have also helped so much, they helped local girls to make the boxes and will be hosting and distributing the products, this is a true partnership between councillors, the local community and women’s rugby.”