INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
www.rsisinternational.org
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Workplace Sanitation Policy and Their Role in Promoting Women's
Health and Dignity
Kiran Singh, Dr. Anupama Kaushik
Department of Home Science, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University Gorakhpur, Uttar
Pradesh, British Indian Ocean Territory
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.1010000036
Received: 10 Oct 2025; Accepted: 17 Oct 2025; Published: 01 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Workplace sanitation facilities play a crucial role in ensuring the health, dignity, and productivity of women
workers across various employment sectors. This research paper examines the intersection of workplace
sanitation policies and women's health outcomes, exploring how inadequate facilities perpetuate gender
inequalities and compromise occupational wellbeing. Through analysis of existing literature and policy
frameworks, this paper demonstrates that proper sanitation infrastructure is not merely a matter of convenience
but a fundamental human right that directly impacts women's economic participation, physical health, and
psychological wellbeing. The paper concludes with recommendations for comprehensive sanitation policies
that address the specific needs of women workers.
Keywords: workplace sanitation, women's health, occupational hygiene, menstrual health, gender equality,
workplace dignity
INTRODUCTION
Workplace sanitation policies represent a fundamental yet frequently neglected cornerstone of women's
occupational health, economic participation, and human dignity. Despite significant strides toward gender
equality in labor markets worldwide, the basic infrastructure supporting women's biological needs in
workplace environments remains inadequately addressed, creating invisible but profound barriers to women's
full participation in the workforce. Sanitation, while universally recognized as a basic human right under
international frameworks including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, continues to be
designed and implemented through a gender-neutral lens that systematically disadvantages women workers
across diverse employment sectors (United Nations, 2015).
Women constitute nearly 40% of the global workforce, yet their specific sanitation requirements related to
menstruation, pregnancy, lactation, and daily hygiene are rarely prioritized in workplace facility planning and
policy development (International Labour Organization, 2019). This systematic oversight has tangible
consequences: inadequate sanitation facilities force women to compromise their health by restricting fluid
intake, delaying urination, or managing menstruation in unsanitary conditions. These practices contribute to
elevated rates of urinary tract infections, reproductive health complications, and chronic psychological stress
among women workers. Beyond immediate health impacts, poor workplace sanitation undermines women's
dignity by requiring them to manage intimate bodily functions without privacy, cleanliness, or safety.
The intersection of inadequate sanitation and women's health extends beyond individual wellbeing to
encompass broader questions of social justice and economic equity. When workplace environments fail to
accommodate women's biological realities, they effectively signal that women's bodies and needs are
secondary considerations, perpetuating workplace cultures that marginalize female employees. This paper
critically examines how comprehensive workplace sanitation policies can serve as powerful tools for
protecting women's health and dignity, analyzing the specific needs of women workers, the multidimensional
impacts of inadequate facilities, existing policy frameworks and their shortcomings, and evidence-based
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Page 489
recommendations for creating workplace environments that truly support gender equality through dignified,
health-promoting sanitation infrastructure.
The Specific Sanitation Needs of Women Workers
Menstrual Hygiene Management
Menstruation represents a monthly biological reality for approximately half the workforce, yet workplace
sanitation policies rarely acknowledge or accommodate menstrual hygiene needs. Women require private,
clean facilities with running water, adequate disposal mechanisms for menstrual products, and sufficient break
times to manage menstruation with dignity (Sommer et al., 2016). In many workplaces, particularly in
manufacturing, agriculture, and informal sectors, these basic requirements remain unmet.
Studies from various countries reveal that women workers frequently lack access to clean toilets, adequate
water for washing, and private spaces for changing menstrual products (Critchley et al., 2020). This situation is
exacerbated in male-dominated industries where sanitation infrastructure was designed without consideration
for women's needs. The stigma surrounding menstruation further compounds these challenges, preventing
women from openly discussing their sanitation requirements with employers or managers.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Needs
Pregnant and postpartum women have heightened sanitation and hygiene needs that extend beyond standard
workplace provisions. Increased urination frequency during pregnancy necessitates easy access to clean
restrooms, while postpartum women may require additional facilities for expressing breast milk in private,
hygienic spaces (Bick et al., 2012). The absence of such provisions can force women to choose between their
health needs and continued employment, perpetuating the "motherhood penalty" in labor markets.
Privacy and Safety Considerations
Women's sanitation needs extend beyond physical infrastructure to encompass privacy and safety concerns.
Gender-segregated facilities with secure locks, adequate lighting, and locations that minimize risks of
harassment or violence are essential for women's dignity and safety in workplace environments (Hennegan et
al., 2019). In many workplaces, particularly in construction, transportation, and agricultural sectors, such
provisions are notably absent, forcing women to use facilities in unsafe or undignified conditions.
Health Implications of Inadequate Workplace Sanitation
Physical Health Consequences
Inadequate workplace sanitation directly impacts women's physical health through multiple pathways. Urinary
tract infections (UTIs) represent one of the most common health consequences when women delay urination
due to distant, dirty, or unsafe toilet facilities (Juma et al., 2017). Research indicates that women who restrict
bathroom breaks or fluid intake to avoid using inadequate facilities experience significantly higher rates of
UTIs, kidney problems, and bladder dysfunction.
Beyond urinary health, poor menstrual hygiene management facilities increase the risk of reproductive tract
infections, including bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections (Das et al., 2015). When women cannot access
clean water, soap, and private spaces to manage menstruation, they face heightened vulnerability to infections
that can have long-term reproductive health consequences, including chronic pelvic pain and fertility issues.
For pregnant workers, inadequate sanitation poses additional risks. Infections acquired through poor hygiene
practices can affect pregnancy outcomes, while the physical strain of accessing distant or inadequate facilities
may contribute to complications (Bick et al., 2012). Furthermore, the inability to maintain proper hygiene
during pregnancy can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which have their own implications for maternal and
fetal health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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Psychological and Emotional Wellbeing
The psychological burden of managing intimate hygiene needs in inadequate workplace facilities constitutes a
significant but often invisible health impact. Women report experiencing anxiety, stress, embarrassment, and
diminished self-esteem when forced to use unclean, non-private, or unsafe sanitation facilities (Fisher, 2016).
The constant worry about menstrual leakage, body odor, or lack of hygiene resources creates persistent
psychological stress that affects overall mental health and workplace performance.
Studies document that women workers in environments with poor sanitation facilities experience higher rates
of workplace-related anxiety and report feeling devalued and disrespected by their employers (Sommer et al.,
2016). This psychological toll extends beyond individual wellbeing to affect women's confidence,
assertiveness, and sense of belonging in workplace settings, particularly in male-dominated industries.
Economic Consequences
The health implications of inadequate workplace sanitation translate directly into economic costs for women
workers. Health issues resulting from poor sanitation lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and
medical expenses (Critchley et al., 2020). Research from developing countries indicates that women lose an
average of 1-5 working days per month due to menstruation-related challenges when adequate workplace
facilities are unavailable.
Moreover, the anticipation of sanitation-related difficulties influences women's employment decisions, leading
some to avoid certain occupations or workplaces entirely. This restriction of economic opportunities
perpetuates gender-based occupational segregation and wage gaps, undermining broader efforts toward gender
equality in labor markets (International Labour Organization, 2019).
Workplace Sanitation and Human Dignity
Dignity as a Fundamental Right
Human dignity represents a foundational principle in international human rights frameworks, yet its connection
to workplace sanitation remains underemphasized in policy discussions. The inability to manage basic bodily
functions with privacy and cleanliness constitutes a violation of human dignity that disproportionately affects
women workers (Hennegan et al., 2019). When women must choose between maintaining their dignity and
continuing their work, workplaces fail to meet basic ethical standards of respect for employees.
Dignity in the context of workplace sanitation encompasses several dimensions: privacy for intimate hygiene
needs, cleanliness that allows workers to maintain their health and self-respect, and freedom from shame or
stigma related to biological functions. Each of these dimensions is frequently compromised in workplace
environments that lack adequate sanitation infrastructure designed with women's needs in mind.
Intersectionality and Compounded Vulnerabilities
The dignity implications of inadequate workplace sanitation are particularly acute for women facing
intersecting forms of marginalization. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, racial and ethnic
minorities, women with disabilities, and those in informal employment sectors often experience the most
severe sanitation challenges (Fisher, 2016). These women typically work in environments with minimal
regulatory oversight, where employers face few consequences for failing to provide adequate facilities.
Disabled women workers face additional barriers when workplace sanitation facilities lack accessibility
features such as grab bars, appropriate door widths, and accessible sinks. Similarly, transgender women may
face particular challenges and safety concerns when workplace sanitation policies enforce rigid gender binaries
without consideration for diverse gender identities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Policy Frameworks and Gaps
International Standards and Guidelines
Several international frameworks address workplace sanitation, though implementation remains inconsistent.
The International Labour Organization's Convention concerning Occupational Safety and Health (C155)
establishes employers' obligations to provide safe and healthy working environments, which implicitly
includes sanitation facilities (International Labour Organization, 1981). More specifically, the ILO's Maternity
Protection Convention (C183) recognizes the need for appropriate facilities for pregnant and nursing women.
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and
Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), establish sanitation as integral to sustainable development and
decent work (United Nations, 2015). However, these frameworks often lack specific provisions addressing
women's unique sanitation needs or enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
National and Organizational Policy Gaps
Despite international frameworks, national legislation and organizational policies frequently fail to translate
these principles into concrete requirements. Many countries lack specific regulations mandating the provision
of menstrual hygiene products, adequate disposal facilities, or sufficient toilet-to-worker ratios that account for
women's needs (Sommer et al., 2016). Even where regulations exist, enforcement mechanisms are often weak,
particularly in informal sectors or small enterprises.
Common policy gaps include: failure to specify gender-disaggregated toilet facilities in sufficient numbers;
absence of requirements for menstrual hygiene management supplies; lack of provisions for pregnant and
breastfeeding women; insufficient attention to facility cleanliness and maintenance standards; and inadequate
consideration of safety and privacy requirements (Critchley et al., 2020).
BEST PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Comprehensive Facility Standards
Evidence-based workplace sanitation policies should establish clear standards that address women's specific
needs. Recommendations include:
Gender-segregated facilities: with appropriate ratios (WHO recommends one toilet per 25 women workers)
Adequate infrastructure: Including running water, soap, disposal bins, and mirrors
Privacy and security features: Such as locks, adequate lighting, and safe locations
Menstrual hygiene provisions: Including free or subsidized menstrual products, disposal facilities, and waste
management systems
Accessibility features: For disabled workers, including appropriate grab bars, door widths, and sink heights
Maintenance protocols: Ensuring regular cleaning and repairs
Support for Biological Functions
Beyond physical infrastructure, policies should accommodate women's biological needs through:
Flexible break policies: Allowing adequate time for sanitation needs without penalties
Lactation facilities: providing private, clean spaces with refrigeration for breast milk storage
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue X October 2025
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Pregnancy accommodations: Including accessible facilities near work stations for pregnant women
Menstrual leave options or flexible work arrangements when needed
Cultural and Educational Components
Effective sanitation policies must address cultural dimensions through:
**Workplace education** reducing stigma around menstruation and women's health needs **Management
training** on accommodating diverse sanitation requirements
**Worker participation** in facility design and policy development
**Grievance mechanisms** allowing women to report inadequate facilities without fear of retaliation
Monitoring and Enforcement
Robust implementation requires:
**Regular facility inspections** by health and safety authorities
**Worker feedback mechanisms** to identify ongoing challenges
**Penalties for non-compliance** that incentivize employer action
**Public reporting** of workplace sanitation standards and compliance rates
Case Studies and Evidence of Impact
Positive Outcomes from Improved Facilities
Research from various contexts demonstrates the benefits of improved workplace sanitation for women. A
study of garment factories in Bangladesh found that investments in clean, accessible toilet facilities with
menstrual hygiene provisions reduced absenteeism by 26% among women workers and improved productivity
metrics (Alam et al., 2017). Similarly, interventions providing workplace sanitation improvements in
agricultural settings in Kenya demonstrated significant reductions in UTI incidence and increased female labor
force participation.
In corporate settings, companies implementing comprehensive sanitation policies, including provision of free
menstrual products and lactation facilities, reported improved employee satisfaction, retention, and recruitment
of women workers (Critchley et al., 2020). These findings suggest that workplace sanitation investments yield
positive returns through enhanced productivity and reduced turnover costs.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite positive examples, significant challenges persist. In many developing countries, rapid industrialization
has outpaced infrastructure development, leaving women workers in newly established factories and industrial
parks without adequate facilities. Informal sector workers, including street vendors, domestic workers, and
agricultural laborers, often have no access to workplace sanitation facilities at all, forcing them to rely on
public toilets or unsafe alternatives.
Even in developed countries, certain sectors continue to struggle with providing adequate facilities. Women in
transportation, construction, and outdoor occupations frequently report inadequate or nonexistent sanitation
facilities, highlighting the need for sector-specific policy interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)
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CONCLUSION
Workplace sanitation policies represent a critical yet underutilized tool for promoting women's health, dignity,
and economic empowerment. The evidence reviewed in this paper demonstrates that adequate sanitation
facilities are not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for gender equality in the workplace. When women
lack access to clean, private, safe sanitation facilities that accommodate their biological needs, they face
compromised health outcomes, diminished dignity, restricted economic opportunities, and reinforced gender
inequalities.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy approaches that move beyond minimal compliance
with general hygiene standards to specifically center women's needs in facility design, organizational practices,
and workplace culture. Such policies must be informed by women workers' voices, enforced through robust
monitoring mechanisms, and accompanied by efforts to reduce stigma around menstruation and women's
health needs.
The business case for investing in workplace sanitation is clear: improved facilities lead to reduced
absenteeism, enhanced productivity, better employee retention, and expanded access to female talent. Yet
beyond economic arguments, ensuring adequate workplace sanitation represents a fundamental matter of
human rights and social justice. As global efforts toward gender equality continue, workplace sanitation must
be recognized as an essential component of creating workplaces where women can participate fully, contribute
productively, and maintain their health and dignity.
Future research should focus on developing context-specific guidelines for diverse workplace settings,
evaluating the long-term health impacts of sanitation interventions, and documenting best practices for
implementation in resource-constrained environments. Policymakers, employers, and workers must collaborate
to transform workplace sanitation from an afterthought into a central pillar of occupational health and gender
equity strategies.
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