Research Library

Exploring the Environmental Footprint of Period Products

Blog Post | Full Article

The lifecycle of menstrual products—production, usage, and disposal—reveals significant insights into environmental sustainability. Understanding the climate footprint of a menstrual product’s lifecycle can help us make informed choices by considering menstrual products that are both personally and environmentally friendly.

Recommended citation:
Silagy, I., Isin-Xiong, L., Nelson, D., & Strait, J., (2024, October 3). Exploring the Environmental Footprint of Period Products. Days for Girls International. https://www.daysforgirls.org/blog/exploring-the-environmental-footprint-of-period-products/

Mapping Menstrual Leave

Blog Post | View the Map

Menstrual leave is a policy that allows a person to take paid or unpaid leave from their employment if they are menstruating and unable to go to work. As of 2024, seven countries have implemented national menstrual leave policies. The “Mapping Menstrual Leave” document outlines and compares the key features of existing policies around the world including duration, restrictions, and accessibility for employees.

Recommended citation:
Strait, J., Nelson, D., Silagy, I., & Ka, J. (2024, July 15). Mapping Menstrual Leave [Infographic]. Days for Girls International. https://www.daysforgirls.org/blog/mapping-menstrual-leave-in-2024-one-year-since-spains-implementation/

Period Positive Workplace Early Findings Report

Blog Post | Full Report

On May 28th, 2023, the Period Positive Workplace (PPW) initiative was launched worldwide to engage the private sector in the global menstrual equity movement by meeting menstrual health needs in the workplace. The first survey of PPWs sought to evaluate the prevalence of menstruation-related disruptions for employees and assess how the interventions of providing period products, WASH facilities, and social support at work can assuage these disruptions. This report presents the findings of the first survey, demonstrating that becoming a Period Positive Workplace improved employee satisfaction, organizational public perception, and employee experiences of managing menstruation at work.

Recommended Citation:
Strait, J., Devaki, R., Nelson, D., & Ka, J. (2024, June 10). Period Positive Workplaces: Early Findings Show Providing Menstrual Products in the Workplace Promotes Inclusivity, Employee Satisfaction. https://www.daysforgirls.org/blog/early-impact-data-from-the-period-positive-workplace-initiative/

A Deep Dive on Menstrual Leave: Examining the Pros and Cons Through Research Findings

Blog Post | Full Article

Menstrual leave is a policy that allows a person to take paid or unpaid leave from their employment if they are menstruating and are unable to go to work. As more countries and companies pass menstrual leave policies, academics, activists and organizations are debating its merits. This article expounds the cases being made for and against menstrual leave, acknowledging the assumptions and significant research gaps in the field at this time.

Recommended citation:
Strait, J., Nelson, D., Silagy, I., Williams, J., & Nelson, L. (2023, July). A Deep Dive on Menstrual Leave: Examining the Pros and Cons Through Research Findings. https://www.daysforgirls.org/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-leave-policies-in-the-workplace-what-organizations-should-know/

The Role of Menstrual Health & Hygiene in Education: Days for Girls in Malawi & USAID Youth Excel Project

Blog Post | Full Report

In 2023, Days for Girls Malawi partnered with IREX and USAID to implement a research project aimed at strengthening youth-led MHH initiatives, funded by USAID’s Youth Excel program. The project aimed to assess the impact of community interface meetings on menstrual health and hygiene beliefs and practices in three districts in Malawi through implementation research.This infographic presents the findings that community interface meetings led to positive changes in menstrual health and hygiene beliefs and practices, including decreased stigma, increased knowledge, and community-led initiatives to address menstrual health challenges.

Recommended Citation:
Silagy, I., Nelson, D., & Chimphoyo-Banda, E. (2023, May 3). The Role of Menstrual Health & Hygiene in Education: Days for Girls in Malawi & USAID Youth Excel Project. https://www.daysforgirls.org/blog/days-for-girls-malawi-and-usaid-youth-excel-the-role-of-menstrual-health-hygiene-in-education/

Advancing Menstrual Health, Education and Economic Progress: A Comparative Study

Blog Post | Full Report

In January 2022, a multi-country study, conducted by New Perimeter in collaboration with Days for Girls International, examined the global landscape of menstrual health. By analyzing national and local policies, programs, and interventions in 12 diverse countries, from both the Global South and North, the report highlights the significant impact of menstrual health on women’s education, economic empowerment, and overall well-being. It also explores how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted menstrual health initiatives. The report provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve menstrual health outcomes worldwide.

Recommended citation:
New Perimeter & Days for Girls. (2022, October 10). Advancing Menstrual Health, Education and Economic Progress: A Comparative Study. https://www.newperimeter.com/our-work/economic-development/advancing-menstrual-health.html

Days for Girls International and MIET Africa’s Reusable Pads Study

Blog Post | Infographic

In 2022, Days for Girls collaborated with the South African Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and MIET Africa – with funding from UNFPA and Water Aid – to conduct the Washable Pads Campaign. The purpose was to improve MH and decrease MH-related absenteeism among students in South Africa. The campaign was successful in educating students to the benefits of washable pads, as well as reversing disinterest and stigma around washable pads.

Cambodia Teacher Training for Menstrual Health Education

2022 Blog Post | 2023 Blog Post

Research shows significant gaps in menstrual health knowledge and access to menstrual products for Cambodian girls.To address these gaps, Days for Girls partnered with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) to implement a multifaceted program between 2022-2025. The program focuses on training teachers to deliver age-appropriate and culturally sensitive menstrual health lessons, and consists of the following two parts: DfG’s teacher training (ToT) and the teachers’ delivery of the MH lessons to the students. Key outcomes from the pilot include increased teacher knowledge on MH, increased confidence in teaching skills and confidence, and improved teacher’s attitudes towards menstruations. Student-focused research then explored whether students taught by trained teachers exhibited improved knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards menstruation.

Menstrual Health and Abolishing Prejudice for Women – The Case of Nepal

Full Report | Phase 1 Blog Post | Phase 2 Blog Post

In November 2020 and February 2021, Days for Girls Nepal, in collaboration with Rural Senses, examined the impact of menstrual health education and product distribution on women and girls in the Kalikot region. The study found that DfG’s programs significantly improved menstrual health knowledge, reduced stigma, and empowered women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.