A Systematic Literature Review of the Effects of Period Poverty on Women in Workplace Environments

Abstract

Period poverty remains a critical global public health and human rights concern affecting millions of menstruating women and girls. Limited access to menstrual products, safe sanitation, clean water, and accurate information undermines dignity, health, education, and workforce participation, and impedes progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5 and SDG 6). This study systematically reviews existing literature to examine the prevalence, contributing factors, health and workforce impacts, and mitigation strategies related to period poverty, with particular attention to its implications for female employees. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A structured keyword search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost. From 518 identified records, 32 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns and evidence-based insights. The review confirms that period poverty is driven by socioeconomic inequality, cultural stigma, educational gaps, and institutional policy deficiencies. Evidence indicates significant associations with increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and heightened risks of depression and anxiety among women experiencing inadequate menstrual support. Menstrual disorders further compound workforce losses. While short-term interventions such as product distribution improve attendance and well-being, sustainable progress requires integrated approaches, including WASH infrastructure improvements, gender-sensitive healthcare training, policy reform, and stigma reduction initiatives. Addressing structural inequalities is essential to enhance women’s health, economic participation, and gender equity globally. Organisations are encouraged to establish workplace menstrual health policies that include free access to sanitary products, private sanitation facilities, flexible sick leave policies, and awareness initiatives. Integrating menstrual health into occupational health strategies can improve employee well-being, productivity, and promote gender equity aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 6.