“Normalising conversations about menstruation at work is just as critical as providing products. When we break the silence and encourage open discussion, we reduce stigma, support mental wellbeing, and build truly respectful workplaces where everyone can belong.” – Simone Clarke, CEO, UN Women Australia
UN Women Australia and the Libra Period Positivity Program have released a new white paper calling on employers to treat menstrual equity as a core workplace wellbeing and inclusion issue.
The report estimates Australian businesses lose $14 billion in productivity each year due to period-related workplace disruptions, yet access to period products remains overlooked in most workplaces.
The research shows that this is a widespread and preventable problem. More than half of women have missed work because of their period, and one in three say fear of leaking was the reason they stayed home. At work, 87 per cent of people who menstruate report getting their period unexpectedly, and 76 per cent say they have not had period care products available when they needed them.
Despite this, period care is still treated as an individual responsibility rather than a basic workplace provision. While three in four workers believe employers should supply free period products, only a small minority of workplaces currently do, revealing a clear mismatch between what employees need and what is provided.
The report makes a strong business case for change. For approximately $20 per menstruating employee per year, organisations can provide free period products in workplace bathrooms as standard, alongside toilet paper, soap and hand towels. Evidence from Australian workplaces already offering free period care shows employees are more present at work, more satisfied and motivated, and more likely to feel valued, supported and cared for.
“Period equity is fundamental to workplace dignity and genuine participation. When organisations provide essential period products as a standard, they send a powerful message that supporting employee well-being isn’t optional – it’s an expectation that fosters inclusion, retention and real opportunity for every staff member” – Simone Clarke, CEO, UN Women Australia.
The white paper also showcases practical case studies from Australian employers that have implemented free period care across diverse and, in some cases, remote workforces, demonstrating both feasibility and impact. By addressing this need, employers can strengthen employee wellbeing, support inclusion, improve talent attraction and retention, and create a more respectful workplace for all.
Read the full white paper here.
About the Libra Period Positivity Program
The Libra Period Positivity Program is on a mission to make access to period care a standard in workplaces, schools and public environments. We partner with organisations, governments and educational institutions to integrate period care into their existing washroom services. With a range of dispensing solutions and bulk Libra refills designed for easy servicing, the program helps ensure products are available when they’re needed – reducing stigma, removing barriers and supporting the wellbeing of employees, students and communities.
Libra is Australia’s #1 period care brand, made in Melbourne since 1978. Libra is a company of Essity – a global, leading hygiene and health company and Australia’s only local manufacturer of period care products. This foundation of reliability, quality and long-standing commitment to health and hygiene underpins the Libra Period Positivity Program.
