Table of Contents
Last Updated on October 17, 2022
Every year since 1914, International Women’s Day has been celebrated on March 8th. It is time to recognize the achievements of women and bring attention to the issues regarding gender inequality that still exist today. This day was originally called National Women’s Day and started in 1909 after 15,000 women marched in New York City, rallying for voting rights and improved working conditions and pay. Since the International Conference of Working Women upgraded this awareness day to an international level in 1910, it has gained recognition and is celebrated worldwide.
Unfortunately, one place where women still experience inequality is in the restroom. They require more provisions in this area than men do; however, their needs are not always met. The long wait lines that have become the inevitable norm are bad enough, however, it only becomes worse for individuals who finally get into stalls and realize an unsanitary waste bin is their only option for disposing used hygiene products, or they do not have access to the feminine products that they need right away.
Feminine Hygiene
How can businesses address these female necessities?
The Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) mandate that workers who handle the waste must be protected from contact with these pathogens; however other female patrons and staff members who may touch the filthy bins are also at risk. A hands-free sanitary disposal unit with a waste neutralizer is the safest option to eliminate cross-contamination and exposure to bloodborne pathogens, such as Hepatitis and HIV.
By providing adequate feminine hygiene disposal units in women’s and unisex restrooms, facility managers and business owners are also decreasing the chances of pipes becoming blocked. If individuals encounter unsanitary, wall-mounted bins, they are likely to flush used sanitary napkins and tampons instead. Studies show that approximately two-thirds of drain blockages are composed of sanitary waste like this. Not only are clogged pipes costly to repair, they cause toilets to appear unsightly and limit the number of available stalls. A survey found that 94% of people would not return to a business with dirty restrooms, potentially making those blockages much more expensive.
Sanitary vending machines are also a necessity. Feminine emergencies are an unpredictable part of every woman’s life and need to be acknowledged. A survey found that 50% of women who end up in these situations feel embarrassed and irritated when they have to ask around to borrow a product. This can result in lost business and productivity for establishments too, as potential customers may go home before making purchases and employees may need to leave work to purchase these necessities.
Recognizing the needs of female customers and employees is beneficial for all businesses. The chances of patrons returning increase, restrooms are kept cleaner, and the women who frequent or work for your organization will feel respected. Citron Hygiene U.S. prides itself on providing solutions that make addressing feminine needs simple for any establishment.
