How menstrual health can be a catalyst for gender equality and sustainable development

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the road map for a more equitable and sustainable future, with gender equality at their core. While menstrual health is critical to gender equality and a human rights matter, it remains largely overlooked in the SDGs.

When menstrual health is neglected, it can exacerbate gender inequalities and limit education, economic opportunities and participation in society. Conversely, improving menstrual health can drive gender equality and sustainable development.

The menstrual health gap refers to disparities and inequalities related to menstrual health. It encompasses four dimensions that prevent millions worldwide from caring for their menstrual cycles in a healthy and dignified way:

More than 1.8 billion girls, women, non-binary individuals and transgender boys and men menstruate every month. Yet, millions lack access to products, facilities and information. They are unable to care for their menstrual cycle in a dignified and healthy way, without fear of stigma. Now is the time to make menstrual health a global priority and close the pervasive menstrual health gap.

Menstrual health – including access to information, facilities and stigma-free environments in relation to the menstrual cycle – is critical for gender equality and advancing multiple SDGs.

When women+ and girls+* lack access to period care products, safe and private sanitation facilities, and inclusive and comprehensive menstrual health education, their participation in education (SDG 4), economic activities (SDG 8), and public and private life becomes restricted, perpetuating cycles of inequality. Removing the barriers to menstrual health accelerates gender equality (SDG 5) and creates more inclusive, equitable societies.

Of the 17 SDGs, six are closely linked to menstrual health:

Menstrual health impacts physical, mental and social wellbeing. When menstrual health is poor, it increases the risk for reproductive tract infections, affects mental health and can lead to complications impairing quality of life.

Ensuring access to comprehensive menstrual cycle care, accurate and inclusive information, and timely diagnosis of menstrual health conditions are all still lacking but are essential to SDG 3.

Stigma and the lack of menstrual health facilities in schools are significant barriers to education. In Japan, a 2021 survey found that 18% of adolescents reported missing or leaving school early due to menstruation, while 32% endured classes despite wanting to leave. Currently only 39% of schools worldwide provide menstrual health education.

Integrating menstrual health into school curricula, engaging men and boys, training teachers and principals, and providing water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities can improve attendance, participation and educational outcomes. Delivering on menstrual health in schools ensures students' right to education and accelerates progress on SDG 4.

Menstrual health is closely tied to gender equality as the menstruation experience is shaped by social, economic and structural inequalities. Menstrual stigma reinforces negative gender stereotypes and norms and perpetuates harassment and discrimination.

Ensuring access to menstrual health knowledge and facilities, as well as positive, respectful, safe and stigma-free environments for all, is a crucial step towards gender equality and empowerment.

Access to clean water and safe, private sanitation facilities for washing the body and hands, changing and cleaning or disposing of menstrual materials is essential but still lacking for many.

SDG 6 highlights “special attention to the needs of women and girls”, but 427 million children currently lack access to usable sanitation services and 646 million don't have handwashing facilities with soap and water at school. One third of schools lack basic hygiene services, less than 31% provide bins for menstrual waste.

Ensuring access to proper WASH facilities – whether at home, work, school or in public, is vital.

The workplace is an important platform for menstrual health. Implementing policies that accommodate menstrual cycle needs – including menopause and perimenopause – can support economic empowerment, as well as safety and productivity.

Many women+ still face discrimination, harassment and stigma at work due to reproductive health taboos. Combined with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, menopause and perimenopause, this can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism. This can hinder career advancement, reduce economic participation and widen the gender pay gap. Menstrual health is a key to full and productive employment.

The environmental impact of period products is a serious concern, with non-biodegradable pads and tampons contributing to global waste. Sustainable solutions like reusable menstrual cups, period underwear and biodegradable products can help reduce the environmental footprint.

Embracing sustainable alternatives and improving disposal methods aligns menstrual health with responsible consumption and production.

Despite progress, closing the menstrual health gap remains challenging. Failure to address these barriers perpetuates gender inequalities and blocks SDG progress. We need a holistic approach and coordinated efforts from policy-makers, educators, employers, healthcare providers and civil society to make menstrual health a global priority.

As family members, peers, professionals and leaders, we have the power to prioritize menstrual health in our communities, schools, workplaces and in policy-making. By taking meaningful steps – like advocating for inclusive education, implementing workplace policies or sharing our own menstrual cycle stories – we can all drive significant change.

*Menstruation is a natural part of life for many women, girls, non-binary individuals and transgender men and boys, although not all menstruate. For readability, the terms "girls+" and "women+" are used in this article to refer to anyone who menstruates. Any use of "women" or "girls" reflects language used in source material.