Many women suffer painful and even debilitating periods, making 4-7 days out of the month miserable, especially in a fast paced work environment. The question of offering women paid days during menstruation isn’t a new one, in fact many Asian countries have offered this type of leave for decades.
The discussion became a hot point recently in Cambridge, England at the Festival of Ideas. Gynecologist Dr. Gedis Grudzinskas, said many of his patients struggle with reproductive/menstrual issues that cause pain, but most women are afraid to stay home during these times for fear of jeopardizing their jobs. He believes it’s not fair, and it’s time to address the concept further.
The issue is not to give special status to women with menstrual issues, but to ensure that employers are more sensitive to their employees with health struggles. Women shouldn’t have to be afraid to lose their job if they need to stay home due to mensrual pain.
Japan was the first country to enact menstrual leave laws back in 1947. Women in Japan are still allowed to stay home while menstruating, but businesses are not required to pay them for the time off. Other Asian countries like Taiwan and South Korea also have laws in place, but report that very few women actually use it. Most women claim they can’t afford to take the time off, they are too busy at work to justify it, or they are embarrassed to ask for the time.
Dr. Grudzinskas said to CTV News “Menstrual leave will make people feel more happy and comfortable in the workplace, which is a positive thing.”
What are your thoughts? Do you think laws should be in place for menstrual leave in America?
