Why International Women’s Day is Important for Blueline Laundry.
Women have played a significant role in this non-profit organization throughout its history.
Our History
Blueline Laundry was founded in 1893 by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd to support disadvantaged women and girls.
At that time, women represented 47% of the total population of Tasmania, and two thirds of the women were under 29 years of age.
No woman had yet graduated from the University of Tasmania, that first happened in 1896.
Women did not have the right to vote. That was achieved in 1903.
There were no female police, the first woman was appointed in 1917.
In 1907, women’s wages were 54% of men’s.
It wasn’t until 1974 that women were awarded the right to equal pay but today, women wages are on average still 13.4% below of male salaries.
Tasmania was the last Australian State or Territory to enact sex discrimination legislation. The Sex Discrimination Act 1994 received assent on 16 December 1994 and came into effect on 27 September 1995.
Our Present
Today at Blueline Laundry, our Purpose has evolved to include those working with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Of our 240 employees, 51% are female, 35% are people working with a disability, 20% are culturally and linguistically diverse, and over 80% are minimum wage earners.
Our Future
We have come a long way, but with women representing half of our workforce, it’s important to look to the future and think about how we can better support our female employees.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2021, Blueline Laundry is launching a pilot program to supply free period products to all staff who need them.
We believe that access to period products is a basic human right, not a privilege. Menstruation is a normal part of life for half of the population, and should not be a cause of shame, stigma or a barrier to equal employment.
Blueline Laundry CEO Michael Sylvester said, “Today we are taking a simple step to improve the way we support the women at Blueline. I didn’t need to look at the business case to agree to provide pads and tampons at work, I just knew it was the right thing to do.”
"Everyone should have the right to good health and the right to enjoy the highest possible standard of physical and mental health. Ensuring that female sanitary products are accessible for all women is a socio economic right and Blueline providing these products is a step forward to eliminating gender-based discrimination".
The pilot program includes an extended range of personal hygiene products for both female and male employees such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and deodorant.
Ongoing Support Needed
Blueline Laundry is seeking partners interested in donating or sponsoring this program. Long-term financial support from like-minded individuals or organizations will significantly enhance our ability to continue this program.
Addressing period poverty to improve the well-being of our vulnerable workforce has far reaching positive impacts, to both those directly employed by Blueline Laundry and throughout their connected communities