How Free Sanitary Products Can Spark Conversations and Drive Menstrual Equity

In many public and professional environments, menstruation remains an overlooked aspect of wellbeing. While there have been significant advances in workplace health and inclusivity, the provision of free sanitary products is still not universal. This absence can lead to discomfort, anxiety and even missed days from work or school, affecting confidence and creating unnecessary barriers that are preventable.

 When organisations make these products freely available, they are not just meeting a practical need. They are helping to create a more open and supportive culture. Small, considered changes in washroom design and amenities can make a meaningful difference in how people experience everyday spaces.

What is Menstrual Equity?

Menstrual equity refers to the idea that everyone should have equal access to the products they need to manage menstruation in a healthy, hygienic, and dignified manner. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Millions of people across the globe are still facing insufficient access to menstrual products, whether due to financial difficulties, lack of availability, or cultural stigma.

 When businesses provide free-to-use sanitary products, they help remove a source of inequality. For those who can’t afford them or are caught off-guard, having access can be the difference between staying at work or needing to go home early — or not coming in at all.

 Why It Makes Business Sense

The business case for free period products is clear:

• Reduced absenteeism: A lack of access can lead employees to leave work early or miss the entire day.
• Increased productivity: Employees who feel cared for are more focused and driven.
• Improved workplace culture: Just like soap or tea bags, period products are a small operational cost that contributes to a healthier, more inclusive environment.

Treating these products as an essential provision rather than a luxury reduces stigma and supports wellbeing.

Find out more about the business case for installing washroom vending machines in commercial spaces.

Starting the Conversation

Menstruation has often been a topic shrouded in silence and stigma. But by offering products in your facilities, you naturally open the door to conversations around menstrual health and show that it's a legitimate part of workplace wellbeing.

 When businesses lead by example, it encourages others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that can lead to broader societal change.

Tackling Period Poverty Through Inclusion

Period poverty remains a significant issue, with many people struggling to afford essential sanitary products. According to ActionAid, 21% of people who menstruate in the UK are struggling to afford period products. That means nearly one in five menstruators may be using toilet paper as an alternative solution or missing out on daily life due to their period.

By providing free-vend sanitary products, your business ensures that personal financial circumstances don’t determine access to hygiene or dignity. It’s a step towards more equitable public spaces — and a more compassionate society.

How You Can Support Menstrual Equity

As a business, you can take the first step in supporting menstrual equity by considering how you provide sanitary products to your employees or customers. Ask yourself: Are free sanitary products accessible in your workplace, schools, or public spaces? If not, could this be a simple change that would make a big impact?

Provide Free-Vend Period Products to Those in Need

Access to period products should never be a barrier to participation, comfort, or dignity. Our free-vend hygiene dispenser is designed to provide sanitary products in a hygienic, organised and hassle-free way, sending a clear message that your organisation values inclusivity and the health of everyone who uses your facilities.

Find out more about our period product vending machine.

Learn More About Supporting Menstrual Equity

At Dudley Industries, we are committed to helping businesses create more inclusive and supportive environments. If you're ready to take the next step in supporting menstrual equity in your workplace, get in touch with us today to learn more about our products and services.