文章基本信息

标题：Improving Women’s Opportunities to Succeed in the Workplace: Addressing Workplace Policies in Support of Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Two Kenyan Factories
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作者：Whitney Fry ; Joan W. Njagi ; Frances Houck 等
期刊名称：Sustainability
印刷版ISSN：2071-1050
出版年度：2022
卷号：14
期号：8
页码：4521
DOI：10.3390/su14084521
语种：English
出版社：MDPI, Open Access Journal
摘要：Women globally experience challenges managing their periods, especially those living in environments that do not support adequate menstrual health and hygiene (MHH). For working women, these challenges may have critical implications for their health, well-being, and economic outcomes (e.g., earnings). As part of a larger initiative that sought to understand the relationship between MHH and women’s economic empowerment, a policy analysis was conducted in two workplaces in Kenya to identify policy changes that would better support menstruating employees’ MHH needs. Policy analysis findings were synthesized with relevant baseline research findings from the same study to generate policy recommendations for participating companies. Key findings revealed limitations in hiring and induction processes, employee classification, representation and voice, toilet access, sick leave, and supervisor codes of conduct, all of which affected menstruating employees. Recommendations included updating supervisor codes of conduct, increasing women’s representation in union committees, and strengthening employee induction processes. Priority areas for policy changes were shared with companies’ leadership, alongside technical assistance for implementation. Insight from two private-sector workplaces in Kenya offers guidance on how to identify relevant policy gaps and institutionalize policies and practices that promote adequate workplace MHH in pursuit of women’s economic empowerment and improved business outcomes.