Should period leave be a thing?
For those menstruators that suffer from severe menstrual cramps, there are usually one of two options when it comes to working:
Option 1 - Suck it up, pop a few painkillers and get to work, and of course try to work as best as you can.
Option 2 - Call in sick.
Now, option 2 is of course okay when you consider that you are not feeling well enough to work, but what happens if this is the case every month?
This is where period leave comes in, so what is it?
Of course, if you are experiencing such severe menstrual cramps or other symptoms that affect your daily life like this every month, then you should speak with a medical professional, as this should not be the norm.
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information in this blog post, including but not limited to the text, graphics, images, are for educational and informational purposes only. None of the material within this blog post is intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional such as your doctor when you have concerns or questions.
Period Leave: An Overview
Let's start with the basics.
What is period leave?
Period leave is a type of paid leave that menstruators can take off from work when they are experiencing menstrual pain and discomfort. It is also sometimes referred to as menstrual leave or menstrual health leave.
Why is period leave a thing?
In many countries across Europe, including Germany, the issue of period leave has gained traction in recent years. In fact, a survey conducted in Germany found that 92% of women have experienced pain during their periods, with around half experiencing pain so severe that it affects their daily activities.
Why is period leave needed?
The truth is that menstrual pain and discomfort can be incredibly debilitating. For many women, cramps, headaches, and bloating can make it difficult to work, focus, and carry out normal daily activities. By providing women with the option to take time off work, period leave aims to reduce this burden and support women in managing their menstrual health.
What do people think about period leave?
Period leave is a highly controversial topic. Some argue that it perpetuates gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that women are weak and unable to perform their jobs during their periods. Others argue that period leave is necessary and that it provides women with a level of support and understanding that they wouldn't receive otherwise.
Why is period leave so controversial?
One of the main reasons why period leave is so controversial is because it is often viewed as a privilege rather than a basic right. There are also concerns that it could be abused, leading to women taking leave when they aren't actually experiencing menstrual pain.
How many people agree with period leave?
According to a recent survey, around 60% of women in Germany support the idea of period leave. However, this is a highly divisive issue and opinions are often split along gender lines, with men being less likely to support it.
What does the German government think about period leave?
The German government has yet to introduce a formal period leave policy. However, there are ongoing discussions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, and it remains a highly debated topic.
UPDATE - Spain just passed Europe’s first paid ‘menstrual leave’ law!!
“The law gives the right to a three-day “menstrual” leave of absence - with the possibility of extending it to five days - for those with disabling periods, which can cause severe cramps, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting… The leave requires a doctor's note, and the public social security system will foot the bill.”
—> hopefully this paves the way for additional European countries to take a similar stance!
Let’s ‘leave’ it at that for now…
Period leave is a highly controversial topic that elicits strong opinions on both sides. While some argue that it perpetuates gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that women are weak, others argue that it provides much-needed support and understanding to women during a time that can be severely debilitating for many.
And while we’re on the topic of period leave, the gender data gap is a driving component of why there is still so much misunderstanding around menstruation today. Click here to learn more about the gender data gap.
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