How Schools and Workplaces Can Better Support Women on Their Period

Menstruation affects over 1.8 billion people worldwide at any given time, yet it is still one of the most overlooked workplace and school health considerations. Lack of support often leads to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and emotional stress.

According to UNICEF, 1 in 4 women and girls globally struggle to manage their period due to lack of resources and supportive facilities. In the workplace, studies show that over 80% of women have experienced period-related pain that impacts work performance yet many never disclose it due to stigma.

It’s time to change this. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how schools and workplaces support women on period and how they can do even better.

How Schools and Workplaces Can Better Support Women On Their Period

1. Provide Accessible and Free Menstrual Products

Why it matters: Not having the right period product when needed can lead to missed classes, skipped work hours, and emotional distress. For some, the financial cost of products can also be a barrier.

Global best practices:

• Scotland: First country to make period products free for all in public spaces, including schools and universities.

• New Zealand: Provides free period products in all schools.

• Oregon, USA: Mandates free products in all school restrooms, regardless of gender designation.

Action steps:

• Offer sustainable choices like Period Panties that students can reuse over the years.

• Partner with FemTech brands (like Diva’Me) for product supply.

Impact:

• Eliminates absenteeism due to lack of products.

• Promotes menstrual equity and reduces health risks from improvised alternatives.

2. Normalize Menstrual Health Education

Why it matters: Menstrual stigma prevents open discussions and leads to misinformation. Education benefits everyone, not just those who menstruate.

In schools:

• Integrate menstrual health into biology and health classes from an early age.

• Train teachers to discuss menstruation confidently and without discomfort.

• Provide educational materials to parents for continued learning at home.

In workplaces:

• Conduct workshops as part of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

• Include menstrual health information in employee wellness guides.

Global best practice: In India, NGOs like Menstrupedia provide illustrated guides to help young girls understand menstruation in a positive, stigma-free way, now used in hundreds of schools.

Impact:

• Breaks stigma and fosters empathy.

• Encourages those experiencing severe symptoms to seek help without embarrassment.

3. Introduce Flexible Policies for Menstrual Needs

Why it matters: Symptoms like cramps, migraines, and fatigue can reduce focus and productivity. Allowing flexible arrangements acknowledges biological reality without penalizing women.

Policy examples:

• Japan: "Seirikyuuka" menstrual leave law since 1947.

• Spain: Passed a menstrual leave policy in 2023, allowing up to 3 days off for severe symptoms.

• Progressive companies: Some organizations offer wellness days that can be used for period discomfort without requiring disclosure.

Action steps:

• Implement optional work-from-home flexibility during severe period days.

• Allow short rest breaks during school or work without penalties.

• Offer period days as part of sick leave policies.

Impact:

• Maintains productivity while reducing burnout.

• Improves employee/student morale and retention.

4. Improve Facilities for Comfort and Privacy

Why it matters: Menstrual management requires clean, private, and well-equipped spaces. Without them, women face hygiene risks and stress.

Essential facilities:

• Clean restrooms with adequate lighting, running water, and proper disposal bins in each stall.

• Access to a private wellness room for resting, changing, or using a heat pack.

• Hot/Clean water for cleaning reusable products.

Global best practice: In Kenya, the "MHM-friendly schools" initiative ensures girls have separate, safe toilets and access to menstrual products, reducing dropout rates significantly.

Impact:

• Preserves dignity and hygiene.

• Reduces health risks from prolonged product use.

5. Promote Wellness and Self-Care Support

Why it matters: Nutrition, exercise, and stress management can ease menstrual discomfort and improve energy levels. Yet few institutions actively promote this connection.

Possible initiatives:

• Offer yoga, stretching, or light exercise sessions.

• Provide healthy snacks rich in iron (leafy greens, nuts) and magnesium (bananas, dark chocolate).

• Run hydration awareness campaigns.

Scientific insight: A study in the Journal of Women’s Health found that regular light exercise can reduce menstrual pain intensity by up to 25%.

Impact:

• Improves physical and emotional well-being.

• Encourages proactive health management.

Partner with Diva’Me for Menstrual Equity

If you’re an educator, HR leader, or policymaker, now is the time to make your institution period-positive. Diva’Me provides:

• Sustainable Period Fashion for schools and offices.

• Educational workshops to break stigma and promote menstrual literacy.

• First Period Celebrations

Get in touch with Diva’Me today to start building a more supportive, stigma-free environment for women and girls.

Menstrual Support as a Path to True Inclusion

Creating menstrual-friendly schools and workplaces is not just about meeting a basic biological need, it’s about building inclusive, equitable, and high-performing communities. When we normalize conversations about periods, provide resources without shame, and create policies rooted in empathy, we empower women to show up fully, whether in the classroom or the boardroom.

The future of work and education is inclusive and menstrual equity is an essential step in getting there.

Explore our Period Fashion Collection

Let’s break the taboo together!