Menstrual health and hygiene status of Leather industry Employees in Tirupattur district of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Women all across the world struggle to manage their periods, particularly those who reside in areas that do not provide sufficient menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). These difficulties could have a significant impact on working women's health, wellbeing, and financial consequences (such as earnings). A policy study was carried out in two workplaces in Tamil Nadu's tirupattur district as part of a bigger program that sought to understand the connection between MHH and women's economic empowerment in order to suggest policy reforms that would better support menstruating employees' MHH needs. The results of the policy analysis were combined with pertinent initial research findings from the same study to produce policy suggestions for taking part companies.

The main findings exposed discrimination against menstruation employees in hiring and induction procedures, employee classification, representation and voice, restroom access, sick leave, and supervisor code of behavior. Updated supervisor conduct guidelines, more women on union committees, and improved employee induction procedures were among the recommendations. The leadership of the companies received information about priority policy change areas as well as technical support for implementation. The Tirupattur district of Tamil Nadu's two private workplaces provide insight into how to spot pertinent policy gaps and institutionalize policies and practices that support suitable workplace MHH in the interest of women's economic empowerment and enhanced business outcomes.