Dealing with Period Poverty in the workplace – a HR perspective with Dilshi Sandunika – HR Omega Line Ltd

Period poverty in the workplace is a very real issue hundreds of women face every day. In order to better understand what menstruation means and to facilitate a conversation around it, HR departments in organizations play a key role ; while creating a greater level of awareness.

We sat down with Dilshi Sandunika, HR of Omega Line Ltd who has had the opportunity to work with Fems as a brand in generating awareness of period poverty in the workplace. She believes that much more needs to be done to create a healthy and a supportive workplace environment for women dealing with period poverty at work.

1.What are your thoughts on period poverty in the workplace?

We all know that Period Poverty in the workplace remains an overlooked issue. While we often focus on inclusivity and wellbeing, access to essential menstrual products is still not guaranteed for many employees. It’s a basic need that, when unmet, can affect attendance, performance, and self-esteem. It can also be detrimental for incoming female employees who would need support and encouragement.

2.Have you had any personal or professional experiences with period poverty that you’d like to share?

In my professional capacity, I’ve come across instances where colleagues had to quietly ask for menstrual products or even leave work early due to lack of access or discomfort. These moments, though rarely spoken about publicly, highlight the silent burden many carries.

3.Why is it important to raise awareness about period poverty at work?

Raising awareness helps break the stigma and fosters a culture of empathy. And awareness also supports inclusivity for menstruation as a normal process and promotes dignity in the workplace.

4. Is there anything else you’d like to add on this topic?

Tackling period poverty isn’t just about distributing products—it’s about changing mindsets. Leadership acceptance, creating an open dialogue and normalizing menstruation as a health issue rather than a taboo topic are key steps. When we address period poverty thoughtfully, we create workplaces that are truly inclusive and supportive for everyone

When we create and continue this dialogue, we are able to change the narrative about the negative image of menstruation in society and in the workplace, she adds. She believes that much more needs to be done in this area and reiterates that every workplace must ideally be open to a dialogue on period poverty and its alleviation.

Dilshi echoes the thoughts of many women who have had to face tremendous challenges associated with a lack of awareness in the Sri Lankan workplace around period poverty. Male colleagues who need to understand these issues can in fact become allies in dealing with period poverty at work.

Change can come with each and every one of us. Change happens when we choose to understand that menstruation is a normal physical process that must be handled naturally and without a fuss. As a key national issue, it needs to be discussed, understood and dealt with as a priority.