Menstrual Leave – the Next Work-Life Benefit

Abstract

‘Superwomen’ is the synonym we have for the woman of today. The role of working women has changed throughout the world due to economic conditions and social demands. This has surely resulted in a scenario wherein the working women have tremendous pressure to develop a career as robust as their male counterparts while sustaining active engagement in personal life as well. The ever increasing work pressure many a times always takes a toll over their mental and physical health.

The Gender Equal Employment Act was enacted in 2002 and the right to apply for menstrual leave was one of its provisions. It is very important to evaluate the need for this policy, the impact of menstrual leave and the relationship between women menstrual health and work. According to a focus group, most of the interviewees had experienced menstrual discomfort. Their reasons included congenital physical problems, pressure, nervousness, a bad life style, and drinking cold liquids. They did not understand the regulations about menstrual leave such as how to apply for it or how to use it. They seldom used menstrual leave for the following reasons: the regulation had no flexibility, unaware about anyone who had applied for it, there are many other leaves that might apply, nobody could take over their jobs, and the organization needed medical receipts if the workers wanted to apply for menstrual leave. The interviewees were also asked for their opinions about governmental policies regarding menstrual leave.

Conclusions: Further actions should be: 1. to build a supportive environment for menstrual care in the workplace, 2. to adjust management style in the workplace, 3. to make menstrual leave flexible, 4. to provide lectures to help female workers take care of themselves during their menstrual periods and to include these lectures in routine occupational health and safety courses, 5. to train nurses in the factories to care for menstrual discomfort, 6. to collecting data related to the relationship between menstrual health and employment (A preliminary study on menstrual health and menstrual leave - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/285967524_A_preliminary_study_on_menstrual_health_and_menstrual_ leave_in_the_workplace_in_Taiwan). Managing menstruation in the workplace is one of the overlooked issues which needs a lot of support and attention as this hinders the 100% outstanding contribution of women in the workplace. This paper intends to provide essential evidence to the policy makers, private sector and activists focused on advancement of girls’ women’s rights. Through this paper we the women of today wish to move ahead removing the stereotype thinking and the barriers due to which the women feel bonded like slaves.