The country's largest trade unions have called for employers and the Government to implement mandatory workplace menstrual and menopausal policies.
A newly formed trade union coalition, 'Stop the Stigma', launched its position paper in Leinster House today, outlining the need to protect workers' rights.
The coalition said the introduction of appropriate supports would have a significant impact on sick leave absence rates in Ireland's workplaces, benefiting hundreds of thousands of workers.
Vice-President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and General Secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said having workable menopause and menstrual policies that protect women at work has never been more urgent.
"There is a huge need for education and awareness training for all staff in our workplaces, and across society," Ms Ní Sheaghdha said.
"The silence around women's health issues is damaging, and it impacts equality in society and at work," she added.
The group welcomed Minister Roderic O'Gorman's announcement of research and guidance for employers and employees on menstruation and menopause in the workplace which is due to be launched early next year.
The 'Stop the Stigma’ coalition is made up of Fórsa Trade Union, the Financial Services Union (FSU), the Communication Workers Union (CWU), the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), SIPTU, UNITE, the Energy Services Union (ESU) and is backed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU).
