TACKLING PERIOD POVERTY
Sustainable Workplace Wellness
Developing Eco-Conscious Period Panties with Reduced Environmental Impact
In Bangladesh, menstruation is heavily stigmatised, leaving many women unaware of it until their first period. Financial constraints lead to use old fabric scraps instead of commercial products, resulting in high infection risks. Consequently, many miss work due to health issues.
Inadequate disposal methods further contribute to environmental and health problems. The lack of infrastructure and open dialogue continues to perpetuate this cycle of stigma and health risks.
In an innovative initiative, a factory in Bangladesh, part of a large underwear manufacturing group, is challenging the status quo by developing period panties and providing adequate supplies to all female employees. Those panties are made out of production leftover fabrics, reducing the amount of materials ending in landfill.
Alongside this initiative, the factory has implemented a comprehensive menstruation education program aimed at advancing understanding and acceptance of menstrual health amongst its workforce. This dual approach not only addresses practical needs but also seeks to break the stigma surrounding menstruation in the workplace and the society at large.
Here is their story
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT
This initiative to develop and distribute period panties to all female employees is the first chapter of a journey with many positive developments and implications for women near and far. It is essential to share and amplify their story.
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Here are some of the options that might inspire and elevate this movement:
Extended initiative within the group
Feedback from the first employees is collected, to refine the initial product and extend successfully the initiative amongst the other factories within the group. Furthermore, additional or replacement products are provided to all female employees upon request. Going forward, the aim is to reach local communities with the support of nonprofit organisations, to distribute the product to women around the production sites. In addition, the data collection related to diminution of absenteeism due to health improvement and reduction of fabric waste can support the integration of this program in an ESG strategy and an effective communication as the project expands, both internally and externally.