Menstrual hygiene in the textile sector faces numerous challenges. Beyond social issues such as taboo, stigma, and lack of education, limited access to affordable menstrual products poses a significant problem for most female* workers. Due to extremely low wages, many are unable to purchase proper menstrual products and are forced to rely on unhygienic alternatives.
Empowering women textile workers by promoting menstrual health and hygiene (MHM) at textile factories in Bangladesh and Ethiopia.
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Irregular changing of these materials often results in infections and long-term health complications. In addition to using inadequate materials, the absence of functional and safe facilities further exacerbates the issue. In many factories, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities are insufficient, poorly maintained, or entirely out of service.
Overview
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Countries: Bangladesh & Ethiopia
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Local Partners: Agroho, NACID
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SDGs: 3, 5, & 6
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Beneficiaries: >1,7000 textile workers
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Nr. of Factories: 15
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Public Funding: Supported by the Foundation Nord-Süd-Brücken with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
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Donors: Beechfield Brands
THE IMPACT
In Numbers
7,000
Workers trained to decrease stigma
30
Workers trained to decrease stigma
6,000
Female workers provided with free sanitary pads
5
Factories permanently established of free pads
WHAT WE DO
Our Solution
With our projects we implement targeted measures to improve factory sanitation, reduce stigma through education, and empower women in their pursuit of independence and equality. Key activities include
- training on menstrual health and hygiene (MHM) for workers and supervisors,
- upgrading sanitation infrastructure,
- and providing free menstrual products.
The projects also strengthen the capacities of factory management to ensure the long-term sustainability of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) systems.
THE IMPACT
Qualitatively
Sensitization
Many workers have increased their knowledge of menstrual hygiene. ‘Agents of Change’ spread the knowledge in the factories and across their communities.
Improved Health
The distribution of hygiene kits and sanitary towels reduced the use of unsafe alternatives and thus lowered health risks. Three factories institutionalised the free distribution of products.
Economic aspects
In 90% of the factories, health-related absenteeism decreased slightly, reducing income losses for the workers, hence having a positive impact for their entire families.
Equality and solidarity
Open menstruation discussions strengthened respect between the genders, reduced discrimination, strengthened the female workers’ self-confidence and promoted solidarity.
”When menstruation starts during work, we have no choice but to buy pads ourselves - the factory doesn’t provide any. If we ask for rest, it’s allowed, but they cut money from our earned leave. The pain and discomfort often become unbearable, yet we keep working through it. We are afraid to take leave because we can’t afford the salary cuts. Sometimes it feels like our bodies are asking for rest, but our reality doesn’t allow it because work pressure is high. It’s as if our needs don’t matter - only the work does.
Beli KhatunSewing Operator in Dhaka, Bangladesh
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Menstrual Health & Management
Advance dignity and equity for the women in your supply chain.
MAILING ADDRESS
Weichselplatz 3
12045 Berlin
OFFICE ADDRESS
Weichselstraße 46
12045 Berlin
Funded by
Member of
