In the Dominican Republic, open conversations about menstrual health are uncommon. However, two organizations in the financial and business sectors are trying to normalize menstrual health in their offices and country because they believe “periods shouldn’t be taboo.”
AIRAC, an association of credit unions, became one of the first businesses in the world to become a certified Period Positive Workplace (PPW).
“Having these products available shows that a company cares about their employees as human beings,” says Iris Perdomo, Diversity Manager at AIRAC.
After earning the PPW certification, AIRAC supported the nationwide launch of the PPW in the Dominican Republic. They also encouraged their sister organization, FENCOOP, to join the movement.
“The majority of our team are women,” said Rosemayerli Martinez, Communications Manager at FENCOOP. “So it was easy for us to become a PPW because we had the motivation to do it.”
For AIRAC, the logistics of becoming a PPW were slightly more challenging, as they have shared bathrooms that are located in the middle of their office. However, these logistics did not deter them. Once AIRAC began supplying period products, it made an immediate impact.
“Finally, it felt like there was consideration for women and a place where we could be protected and secure,” said Iris.
This feeling of relief extends beyond AIRAC’s employees to the women and guests who often visit their offices.
“When women use our bathrooms, they can’t believe period products are in there,” remarked Iris.
Both AIRAC and FENCOOP are also working to advance menstrual health outside their respective offices. For example, FENCOOP shares about menstrual friendliness online and distributes reusable menstrual pads at public events. Meanwhile, AIRAC regularly speaks to other credit unions and businesses about the importance of menstrual health.
Rosemayerli and Iris agree that becoming a PPW helps businesses further the conversation around menstrual needs and take an important step toward gender equality.
“We don’t lose anything by making a safe place for women,” said Rosemayerli. “Menstruation should be accepted, and that starts in the workplace.”
Check out the infographic for more information. To access the infographic in Spanish, click here.
