White paper “Menstrual Health: A Policy Roadmap for Closing the Menstrual Health Gap”

“Menstrual health is a matter of rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. I am proud to endorse this groundbreaking white paper on closing the menstrual health gap. Despite over 1.8 billion people menstruating every month, access to essential menstrual health resources remains inadequate - everywhere. The "menstrual health in all policies" approach, with concrete examples of policy changes from across the globe, provides a comprehensive strategy to dismantle barriers to menstrual health. This ensures that everyone who menstruates—from the very first period to the last— at school or work can do so with dignity, free from stigma or fear of discrimination. Through multi-stakeholder action, this approach can significantly accelerate the progress we need to reach the sustainable development goals. It’s simply the right thing and the smart thing to do.”

“I wholeheartedly endorse the emphasis on menopause within the broader context of menstrual health. As women now enjoy longer lifespans, with 40% of their lives spent post-menopause, it is essential to acknowledge and prepare for this significant phase. The white paper highlights a critical gap in knowledge and awareness surrounding menopause, which remains often neglected in healthcare and society. This oversight can lead to unnecessary challenges and a diminished quality of life for many women. By fostering open discussions and enhancing resources related to menopause, we can empower women to navigate this transition with better support and understanding”

"Essity's "Closing the Menstrual Health Gap" makes clear what we all need to make normal -- that 1.8 billion people menstruate every month and that this simple biological reality is still too often hidden behind taboo, stigma, and lack of access to basic menstrual health.  As an organization dedicated to bringing men and boys into conversations of gender equality and caring, and connected manhood, the paper is a hugely important part of that conversation.  We're pleased to partner in this important initiative."

"This white paper provides a compelling view of the multi-faceted challenges that constitute the menstrual health gap. The emphasis on a ‘menstrual health in all policies’ approach makes this work particularly impactful. It also aligns significantly with UNFPA's work delivered through the Coalition for Reproductive Justice in Business, which is mentioned in this paper. The Coalition seeks to mainstream menstrual health policies in the workplace and in global supply chains. Essity is our partner on this very important journey: As one of our Coalition Champions for menstrual health in the private sector, we are working together to build inclusive workplaces where menstruation will no longer be a barrier to full participation in society."

“I fully endorse the initiative to address the menstrual health gap through a life course perspective, as it is essential for promoting gender and health equity while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This white paper is a critical step towards engaging key stakeholders, ensuring that menstrual health is integrated into policies across various sectors such as health care system, education, infrastructure, gender, and employment. It is imperative to acknowledge the limited evidence surrounding the impact of menstrual health on individuals' social, work, and academic lives, as well as on their relationships and self-esteem. Increased attention and resources are vital to advancing the Menstrual Health Gap globally” 

“Plan International believes all girls and women should enjoy their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). We emphasize breaking down taboos around menstrual health, train teachers and health staff, provide quality menstrual products, and create girl-friendly school facilities to improve attendance and self-esteem. Periods are natural, not shameful. Everyone who menstruates should have access to accurate information and clean, private toilet facilities.”

“This white paper is crucial for recognizing menstrual health as key to global gender equality advocacy. It provides a formal, well-researched foundation, ensuring this often-overlooked issue gets the attention it deserves in policy and advocacy. Achieving menstrual equity is essential for advancing gender equality and progress across all Sustainable Development Goals. I hope this document inspires collaborative action, making menstrual health central to a more equitable and inclusive world.”

“Closing the menstrual health gap is a moral, health, and economic imperative central to addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health inequities and the broader women's health gap. This complex challenge requires mobilizing public and private sectors with tangible policies and actions globally, regionally, and locally. We are committed to support the actions in this Policy paper and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders in our [w]Health community to close the menstrual health gap.”

"Menstrual health directly impacts more than half of the world’s population yet is often minimized or completely ignored. Integrating menstrual health policies across all sectors will be a transformative step in closing the menstrual health gap. Project Endo is honored to work alongside Essity and the World Economic Forum in supporting this groundbreaking Roadmap as part of a plan to close the gender health gap once and for all."