ReThink ESG: Why no ESG strategy is complete without addressing menstrual equity

‘Menstrual equity’ refers to equal and comprehensive access to good quality menstrual products, and to the right to education about reproductive health, which both removes barriers to care and reduces stigma surrounding it.

Most agree this is important, but many are unsure how it relates to the workplace. In the piece below, we break down why menstrual equity is not just an ethical imperative in all organizations, but is also a critical part of every ESG strategy.

Where does menstrual equity fall within the broader ESG framework?

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is central to corporate responsibility and sustainability. At LUÜNA, we observe that while organizations are making strides in addressing the environmental aspect ('E'), they often struggle with the social aspect ('S').

One effective way to enhance the 'S' in ESG strategies is by prioritizing menstrual equity. As highlighted by the following statistics, it’s clear the lack of support for menstrual health, including the transition to menopause, is a barrier to advancing gender equality - a key component of ESG - in the workplace:

• Women spend 25% of their lives in poor health in comparison to men. As a result, her ability to be present and/or productive at home, in the workforce, and in the community is severely impeded and reduces her earning potential. This is known as the ‘women’s health gap’ (McKinsey Health Institute, 2024).

• 90% of women have felt stressed when caught without period products in the corporate workplace (LUÜNA Survey 2022 Hong Kong). 

• 67% of women with negative menopause symptoms say this has negatively impacted their career (CIPD Report, 2023).

So, where does LUÜNA come in? Let’s break it down further:

While improving access to period products at work is a key focus for LUÜNA, menstrual equity goes far beyond that. True menstrual equity means addressing the physical, mental, and social aspects of menstrual health, normalizing the topic, and providing comprehensive support for those who menstruate.

Governance: Fostering Gender Equality in the Workplace and Retaining Talent

Governance within the ESG framework involves ensuring that organizations are managed in ways that promote ethical behavior, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability. As highlighted in the statistics shared earlier in this piece, without menstrual equity, the workplace can be a stressful and even hostile place for those who menstruate.

To combat this, LUÜNA offers educational programs alongside our product solutions for washrooms. These programs educate people of all genders about the importance of menstrual equity to dismantle stigmas and promote the creation of inclusive cultures. Such initiatives ensure that menstruating individuals, regardless of their life stage, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Though this is a gradual process, the impact is significant. By creating workplaces that are judgment-free, stigma-free, and with flexible work policies that support menstruating individuals throughout every life stage, companies stand to reap benefits for all - not just people with periods.

This not only helps in achieving gender equity goals but also has clear business advantages, such as helping to retain top talent and foster greater productivity through well-being.

Social Responsibility: Tackling Inequities and Advancing Gender Equality Within the Wider Community

Partnering with a social enterprise that advances gender equality both in the workplace and the community offers a distinct advantage for organizations committed to ESG principles. This is core to our business model at LUÜNA, where every workplace partnership helps fund programs that tackle period poverty within local communities.

Such collaborations not only enhance workplace inclusivity and support for employees but also extend the impact to the broader community, creating a ripple effect of positive change. This dual impact strengthens the 'S' in ESG and enhances the company's reputation as a leader in social innovation.

Environmental Impact: Selecting Conscious Suppliers and Partners

For companies aiming to implement menstrual equity strategies, it's essential to ensure these initiatives align with environmental values. Choose suppliers and partners like LUÜNA, vetted by leading certifications such as B Corp, to demonstrate the highest commitment to social and environmental impact across all aspects of the business, from people practices to supply chains and beyond.

Company Performance: Closing the Gender Health Gap is a $1 Trillion Opportunity

The McKinsey 2024 report highlights the significant impact of the gender health gap on both individuals and economies. Women's health is often under-researched and underfunded, leading to disparities in care and outcomes. The report notes that investing in women's health, including menstrual health, could unlock $1 trillion in economic potential by 2040.

This figure underscores the importance of integrating menstrual equity into ESG strategies. By doing so, companies not only contribute to the well-being of their employees and communities but also position themselves to benefit from the economic opportunities that come with closing the gender health gap.

Conclusion

Menstrual equity is not ‘just a women’s issue’ — it’s an ESG issue. Companies like LUÜNA are leading the way by offering sustainable period care products, providing educational workshops, and helping organizations create inclusive workplaces. As the McKinsey report makes clear, the economic and social benefits of addressing menstrual health are vast. No ESG conversation is complete without considering the role of menstrual equity in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world.

By integrating menstrual equity into ESG strategies, companies and institutions can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions while contributing to a more sustainable and just future.

This year, LUÜNA joins the sustainability business forum and solutions expo, Rethink, to take this conversation further. Visit our booth at the ReThink Solutions Showcase for coffee and informed conversation about how you can drive real change in your workplace. 

Wondering how to broach this topic with decision makers and stakeholders? Contact us for help.