Rethinking Women’s Health in the Workplace: Time for Change

Despite significant strides toward gender equality, many modern workplaces still fall short in prioritizing women’s health. From inadequate menstrual and menopausal care to limited postpartum support, these gaps continue to hinder women's health, wellbeing and career advancement. However, initiatives like Melinda Gates' recent $150 million commitment through Pivotal Ventures are reigniting crucial conversations and driving actionable change. Similarly, forward-thinking corporations are embracing the Gender Equality Seal (GES) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) , a framework designed to foster gender-responsive policies and inclusive workplace practices.

Since its inception, the GES has empowered companies worldwide to commit to advancing gender equality in tangible ways. In Rwanda, seven private companies— The New Times (Rwanda) , Vivo Energy Rwanda, Kitabi Tea Company Ltd, @Rwanda InterLink Transport Company Ltd (RITCO), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Akagera Coffee Project, and Masaka Farms —were awarded the Gender Equality Seal in May 2024. This recognition underscores their significant efforts in creating equitable workplaces that actively support female employees.

“Women deserve workplaces that value their health as much as their contributions. Addressing the unique challenges women face at work is not just about fairness—it’s about building stronger and more inclusive organizations,” said Berabose Aline Joyce , CEO of LUNA

The Current Challenges

Women face numerous health-related barriers at work that impact their well-being and career progression.

• Menstrual and Menopause Care: Limited access to menstrual products, menstrual leave policies, menopause health coverage, and other support systems.
• Maternal Health Support: Limited postpartum care, inadequate maternity leave policies, and insufficient breastfeeding facilities.
• Mental Health Impacts: Chronic stress and burnout caused by juggling workplace demands without adequate support systems.

These challenges don’t just affect women’s physical and mental well-being—they also hinder organizational productivity, retention, and leadership representation.

Melinda Gates’ Commitment

Melinda Gates’ commitment is focused on transforming workplaces to better support women’s health. Key focus areas include:

• Seeding Innovations: supporting solutions that integrate women’s health into workplace policies and culture.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocating for modernized workplace policies that prioritize maternal health, menstrual equity, and mental well-being.
• Empowering Representation: Increasing women’s participation in AI, tech, and other industries to ensure gender-sensitive solutions are built into the future of work.

This funding is a gamechanger, influencing global discussions and catalyzing systemic change. We hope it inspires more organizations to join the movement toward prioritizing women’s health and workplace inclusion.

The Role of Companies

Businesses and organizations must take responsibility for creating inclusive workplaces that prioritize women’s health. For example, these institutions can:

• Provide Essential Resources: Offer free menstrual products as part of the hygiene/toiletry package, menopause health coverage, and postpartum care services.
• Create Safe Spaces: Build breastfeeding-friendly rooms and ensure access to private wellness areas.
• Implement Progressive Policies: Introduce menstrual leave policies, particularly with women with menstrual disorders and conditions, flexible work schedules, and extended maternity leave, to address women’s unique health needs

By investing in these changes, companies support equity and boost productivity, retention, and employee satisfaction.

LUNA’s Role

At LUNA, we are committed to closing the gaps in workplace support for women’s health. Through advocacy, education, and innovative solutions, we work with companies and policymakers to foster inclusive, safe, and supportive environments for women.

We encourage corporations and organizations to partner with us to champion women’s health at work and build workplaces where women feel empowered to thrive. Reach out to us at [email protected]

Prioritizing women’s health in the workplace isn’t just about fairness—it’s about building a more productive and sustainable future for all.

“Women deserve workplaces that support their physical and mental well-being. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.” ~ @Melinda Gates