Menstrual policies across the globe encompass a range of initiatives, laws, and practices aimed at addressing the menstrual health and hygiene requirements of individuals who menstruate, while also ensuring their rights and well-being. Numerous countries have introduced programs to educate people about menstruation, dispel myths and taboos, and promote menstrual hygiene practices. These educational efforts often target girls in schools, community settings, and public awareness campaigns. In certain regions and countries, policies have been implemented to enhance affordability and accessibility of menstrual products, and in some cases, even provide them for free (1). Furthermore, in some nations, female employees are entitled to take paid leave for severe menstrual-related pain or discomfort as part of efforts to promote gender equality and protect women’s health. While not widely implemented, specific countries such as Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Zambia, and Mexico have laws or guidelines allowing for menstrual leave (2). Furthermore, various countries have eliminated taxes on menstrual products, aiming to reduce the financial burden associated with acquiring these essential hygiene items. Examples of such countries include Kenya, Canada, Australia, India, Colombia, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Nigeria, Uganda, Lebanon, Trinidad, and Tobago, and several states in the United States (3).
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