Menstrual Hygiene Management Practices among Women Workers in Informal Sector: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Women form a large share of India’s informal workforce, yet their menstrual health needs remain poorly addressed within labour policy and workplace practices. This study examines prior research on menstrual hygiene management practices among women workers in the informal sector in India. A systematic literature review approach was adopted. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified from Scopus and Google Scholar. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 38 studies were identified and included for review, of which 28 were analysed using a thematic approach. The reviewed literature was categorised into six broad themes, including informal sector dynamics, gender dimensions of informal work, legal and policy exclusion, menstrual health as a labour issue, workplace sanitation and occupational health, and the dominant focus on adolescents. The review findings indicate that the majority of studies concentrate on school-based menstrual hygiene and adolescent girls, while limited attention is given to adult women working in informal occupations. Inadequate sanitation facilities, lack of workplace support, and weak policy coverage continue to affect women’s health, dignity, and work participation. The study points to the need for greater research and policy attention to menstrual hygiene management as an integral part of occupational health in the informal sector. Keywords: Menstrual hygiene management; Informal sector; Women workers; Workplace sanitation; Occupational health; Gender and labour policy