Paid Menstrual Leave
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
affects an estimated 6-13% of women of reproductive age worldwide. This translates to
approximately 10-15% of women between the ages of 18 and 44, or 1 in 8 women
globally.
Also, according to the WHO, approximately 10% of women of reproductive age (15-49
years) worldwide have endometriosis. This translates to an estimated 190 million women
globally.
Both conditions come with a heavy burden of side-effects that cannot be cured, only
treated and managed. PCOS and endometriosis are hosts to severe pain during periods for
most women who are ailed with these conditions, as well as a multitude of other
symptoms such as hormonal imbalances, fatigue, infertility and mood changes.
If you have never had the displeasure of going about your work day or taking a test at
school while having brutal cramps, consider yourself one of the luckiest people on this
planet.
Since the dawn of time, it has been expected that women continue their day-to-day tasks
and activities with no disruption when menstruating. Yet, with more female-centred
research, we have to reassess our current social structures and make necessary
adjustments to accommodate the 4.09 billion females in our world.
Menstruating in the workplace, whether that be an office, a hospital, or a courtroom, is a
struggle that has been plaguing women for many decades. Workplaces are made to be
flexible. With Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick time being an option for most who are
currently employed, there is always a downside to stepping away from work for whatever
reason and losing out on the pay.
Status Quo:
Several countries are already setting precedent with a PTO for menstruation.
- Japan: Allows women to take 1 to 3 days of monthly leave if they have painful
periods.
- Taiwan: Provides 3 days of paid menstrual leave annually, in addition to regular
sick leave.
- Indonesia: 2 days per month.
- Spain: 1st European country to introduce in February 2023, Spain providing 3 to 5
days per month of paid menstrual leave.
Such groundbreaking policy does not only show a positive attitude of the government
towards women, but also aids in the profitability and potential. Simply put, when women
are allowed to tend to the needs of their body and take the necessary rest during
menstruation, they are able to contribute more in the workplace as they come into work
rested and in better condition.
As a society, we are held back by the stigma that surrounds bodily functions. Menstrual
cycles are to not be discussed, cramps are made up things, and do not even get started on
the blood. When we fail to breach the imaginary boundaries of speech in regards to
human bodies, we fail to uphold all of the people in the world. By ignoring the issues that
are faced by women worldwide and forcing them to work through the excruciating pain,
we tell them that we do not care. We are telling the 4.09 billion women that what happens
in their body does not qualify for care and aid in times of need. We fail women.
Changes To Be Made:
Changes that harm women continue to happen in our current political climate, but there
must be positive evolutions in policy that allows women to be supported not just socially,
but also in the workplace.
In the United States, taking a federal approach to something of the magnitude of
enforcing country-wide rules for paid menstrual leave will likely face trouble at every
level of government, which is why we must start small. Including unions in the
movement towards paid menstrual leave is one of the small steps that can be taken, as
well as writing to your Congressmen and representatives, establishing a connection and
letting them know that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Even one email is a
move towards change, one call can be what puts this issue on the map of your local
government and businesses. Take charge, make change!
