Menstrual hygiene in public spaces 

Menstrual hygiene is an often overlooked but fundamental issue in public and semi-public facilities. When it comes to menstrual hygiene, public restrooms can play a key role in promoting hygiene while supporting equality and social participation.  Contents

1. Menstrual hygiene in public spaces: Why it deserves more attention
2. Period poverty is global – public washrooms can be part of the solution
3. What does a menstruation-friendly washroom need?
4. Economic benefits and CSR: Why investing in menstrual hygiene pays off
5. Practical examples & developments: Innovative solutions for menstrual hygiene in public facilities
6. Menstrual hygiene is more than just hygiene; it paves the way for a fair future
    

Menstrual hygiene in public spaces: Why it deserves more attention

Whether at the office, at school, in the hospital, or traveling, menstruation doesn't wait for the “right” moment. What happens when your period suddenly starts and there are no hygiene products within reach? Is there a clean, discreet place to dispose of them? Or is the only option an improvised emergency plan? For many people, this uncertainty is part of everyday life—but it shouldn't be.  

Millions of people menstruate every day, yet public washrooms often lack the right hygiene infrastructure to meet their menstrual hygiene needs. In many cultures, periods are still taboo, which leads to inadequate provision, particularly in public spaces, and compromises hygiene standards.

Especially in public buildings, companies, and institutions such as schools, hospitals, and offices, it’s essential to include menstrual hygiene in facility plans, and to offer appropriate hygiene products and disposal facilities. This article offers in-depth information on organizations can develop effective, sustainable approaches to menstrual hygiene. The goal: to normalize menstruation in public spaces
 

Period poverty is global. Public washrooms can be part of the solution  

Menstruation remains an invisible topic in many public institutions, accompanied by taboos and shame, yet it affects roughly half of the world's population. Basic facilities such as tampon dispensers in public toilets or adequate facilities for the hygienic disposal of used products are often lacking. These shortcomings lead to practical and psychological stress for menstruating people.

Additionally, period poverty is a widespread problem across the globe. Many people cannot afford menstrual products and are forced to rely on makeshift alternatives. These often fall short of hygiene standards, health risks on top of negatively impacting participation in education, work, and public life.

Although the WHO and UNICEF define clear standards for menstrual hygiene, the reality is that these are not consistently implemented in many parts of Europe, and many products available in European countries often do not meet these requirements.

The unequal distribution of hygiene resources and infrastructure can lead to a sense of exclusion among menstruating individuals, with many feeling that their needs are not adequately taken into account.