Biological PPE: Menstrual Equity in Construction
UNICORN founders join Natasha Ozybko to discuss period poverty on job sites, organic "biological PPE," and why menstrual equity is a non-negotiable for workforce retention.
In this fiftieth episode of Conversations with MOXY, host Natasha Ozybko sits down with Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, co-founders of UNICORN. The discussion explores the critical intersection of menstrual health, workplace safety, and environmental sustainability in the infrastructure and construction sectors.
The Catalyst: A Journey of Shared Experience
Thyme Sullivan shares a formative story from her first job out of college driving a Frito-Lay truck, where she was one of the few women in a warehouse that lacked basic period products. When her period arrived unexpectedly, she was forced to scramble for products at a store, missed her delivery window, and felt too embarrassed to tell her boss the truth. This "quiet shame" and lost productivity is a version of a story shared by almost every woman who has worked away from home.
Identifying a Pervasive Gap in the Trades
The founders identified a massive void: while safety gear (PPE) and mental health awareness have evolved, the "biological PPE" required by women on-site has remained neglected.
Unanimous Struggle At a women in construction conference, Thyme asked how many attendees had been on a job site without access to products; every hand in the room went up.
The "Honey Bucket" Reality Women in the field often face unsanitary conditions in portable toilets, making period management a significant safety and dignity issue.
Invisible Barrier to Productivity The lack of access is a leading cause of absenteeism and "micro-stress" for women in trades, directly impacting a company's bottom line.
Operationalizing Menstrual Equity
The conversation emphasizes that providing period products is not a "perk" but a standard workplace essential, similar to toilet paper, hard hats, or earplugs.
Sustainability as Safety UNICORN provides 100% organic cotton products that are biodegradable and free of toxins, addressing worker health and reducing the environmental footprint of large projects.
Turnkey Solutions The company has simplified procurement by offering sleek, simple dispensers designed for porta-potties, work trailers, and site bathrooms that can be integrated into existing supply chain workflows.
Legislative Shifts The founders discuss emerging "Menstrual Equity Acts" that mandate products in public buildings, predicting a similar shift toward mandates in the private construction sector.
The Bottom Line: Retention through Respect
Denielle and Thyme argue that "Menstrual PPE" is a high-yield investment for senior leaders. Anticipating and meeting a woman's biological needs signals a welcoming environment, which is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining female talent in a tight labor market.
Conclusion: "Daily Dignity" as the New Standard
The founders conclude by urging industry leaders to stop whispering about periods and start treating them as a logistical project requirement. By putting period products in every stall, every site, and every time, companies can provide true "daily dignity," ensuring that 50% of the potential workforce feels safe, valued, and equipped to build the future without compromise.