Over the years women were able to make some changes in the work system, and many countries have been changing laws and even making new ones to help create a healthy work environment for women. One of the legislation that many countries implemented into the work system is menstrual leave for women.
This legislation has made the work environment more comfortable for women but unfortunately, not many workplaces have implemented it.
In fact, a while back an Egyptian company announced that it is now giving women this leave yet it’s still not popular nor any company is considering it.
So, today we will tell you what menstrual leave is and whether should companies start implementing it.
What Is A Menstrual Leave?
Menstrual leave is a type of leave women take from their workplace when they are menstruating.
Whether the company is providing this option or not, women sometimes take it due to the severe pain and discomfort that the period causes, which affects their overall work productivity as it causes them a huge lack of focus.
This legislation has caused many debates around the world. One of the reasons why it hasn’t yet been implemented in some countries is because it is still taboo as some societies consider it a secret that women shouldn’t publicly talk about.
This has caused women to actually suffer and work while being in pain.
Where Is It Applied?
There are many countries that have implemented menstrual leave; in fact, it has been in effect in Japan for 70 years now!
In 1947, Article 68 of the Labour Standards Law states, “When a woman for whom work during menstrual periods would be especially difficult has requested leave, the employer shall not employ such woman on days of the menstrual period.”
Even though Japan has applied this law a long time ago, the menstrual leave can sometimes be unpaid.
Indonesia gives its female employees 2 days of menstrual leave per month. In South Korea, women are granted period leave and if they didn’t take it, they’re given additional pay. Women in Taiwan are granted 3 days of menstrual leave per year.
The situation is different in Zambia, women can take a day off when they are menstruating and have the right to take legal action against their employer if they refused.
There are other countries like Spain and India that their companies started implementing menstrual leave.
Should Companies Implement it?
Since period can have such an effect on women, do you think companies in Egypt can start implementing this legislation?
This matter is still causing a debate around the world for many reasons, including that it is taboo, and men and claiming that it is sexism!
What you can do to solve this conflict is arrange a meeting with your employees, offer the new rule, and see how they’d react. You need to educate your employees on the seriousness and the effect of the period on women and how it can affect their work and day; they need to understand what a painful period means.
It’s worth mentioning that if you have a healthy work environment where your employees enjoy equality, you won’t face any problems when implementing this new policy.
Could It Benefit The Company?
Providing women with menstrual leave can actually benefit the company and enhance its reputation. The Egyptian company that implemented this policy gained huge popularity and went viral, but you have to be aware that not everyone will accept it and some people might attack your decision.
This decision can also be a sign or proof that your company cares the most about its employees and their health.
In the end, implementing this policy will need a very smart plan and you need to make sure you’re achieving equality between your employees.
