- Menstrual hygiene in public spaces: Why it deserves more attention
- Period poverty is global – public washrooms can be part of the solution
- What does a menstruation-friendly washroom need?
- Economic benefits and CSR: Why investing in menstrual hygiene pays off
- Practical examples & developments: Innovative solutions for menstrual hygiene in public facilities
- 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.
What does a menstruation-friendly washroom need?
A menstruation-friendly washroom is more than just a nice gesture, it signals respect, equality, and forward-thinking facility design. To ensure that all menstruating individuals can take care of their needs safely and with dignity, a well-designed, thoughtfully equipped washroom is key. A menstruation-friendly washroom should therefore offer basic amenities to ensure hygienic disposal. Basic equipment includes tampon dispensers in public toilets and pad dispensers, ideally offered free of charge or a fair price.
Equally essential: hygienic disposal options directly in each cubicle. Hygiene bins with hinged lids allow for discreet and odor-free disposal of products. Contactless sensor solutions go even further in enhancing hygiene and comfort. Such amenities also reduce the likelihood that period products are flushed down the toilet out of embarrassment, which is not only unhygienic but can also lead to clogged pipes.
In addition, these facilities should be accessible to all genders, for example, through the creation of unisex washrooms or fitting men's cubicles with appropriate dispensers and hygiene boxes. Neutral signage also helps people find their way around without shame or uncertainty. Accessibility is a must, not an option. Only when washrooms are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities, can care truly be equitable.
Finally, menstruation-friendly washrooms can only remain places of well-being if regularly cleaned.
A well-designed washroom ensures that menstruating people do not feel disadvantaged or uncomfortable during their period.
Economic benefits and CSR: Why investing in menstrual hygiene pays off
Menstruation-friendly washrooms are not just a “nice to have”—they pay off. Investing in menstruation-friendly facilities not only improves the general well-being of employees and visitors. It also has a positive effect on the company's image. Employers who proactively provide period products and disposal facilities fulfil their duty of care, demonstrate responsibility, and improve employee satisfaction. Implementing these appropriate measures in the company also makes an important contribution to ESG (environmental, social, governance) goals by promoting equality and inclusion. Such initiatives strengthen the company's commitment to social and sustainable issues and improve its competitive position.
In addition, businesses can strengthen their brand and reputation, particularly in gender equality rankings and CSR initiatives, by integrating menstruation into their hygiene policy. It signals that the company is progressive, responsible, and modern. This pays off both socially and economically, as such an image makes a company an attractive employer and business partner.
In short: those who take menstruation into consideration score points on multiple levels: human, social, and economic.
Practical examples & developments: Innovative solutions for menstrual hygiene
Things are changing, and visibly so. More and more cities, institutions, and companies are recognizing that menstrual hygiene is not a marginal issue, but part of basic care. Individual cities and companies are showing how it can be done:
- In Canada, the London Public Library launched a pilot program in 2024 offering free menstrual products in all public library washrooms to promote period equity and help reduce period poverty.
- Since 2021, the New Zealand government has provided free menstrual products in all state and state-integrated schools, with a focus on reducing period poverty and increasing attendance.
In addition to providing period products, offering disposal solutions is also considered good practice. Increasingly, hygiene bins with liners and hygienic bag dispensers are replacing the classic open paper bins.
These developments show that more and more institutions and companies are recognizing the importance of menstrual hygiene in public spaces and are taking appropriate measures.
Innovative solutions such as the Tampon and pad dispenser from CWS provide discreet and hygienic access to products. Featuring a fill level indicator, lockable units, and various sizes, when paired with the CWS Sanitary bins, they ensure a safe and pleasant toilet experience for menstruating individuals.
These practical steps show that it’s possible to make washrooms equitable, and it’s only getting better. With willingness, dedication and the right approach, public spaces can become more inclusive, one washroom at a time.
Menstrual hygiene is more than just hygiene; it paves the way for a fair future.
Hygiene does not stop at soap and paper. When designing modern washrooms, everyone must be considered—including menstruating individuals. Menstrual hygiene is not an add-on, but a natural part of an inclusive everyday life. Modern washrooms should be designed to be inclusive and holistic in order to meet the needs of all menstruating people.
Investing in menstruation-friendly facilities not only leads to practical improvements, but also sends a strong social message: every person and every need counts – without stigma. These measures pave the way for a fair and equitable future for all.
By choosing sustainable hygiene solutions, companies promote equality and create a pleasant working environment. Investing in gender-neutral sanitary facilities today enables real participation, for all genders.
Modern washrooms with menstrual hygiene facilities promote fairness and wellbeing. Let us advise you and discover how your company can benefit.