For most women, their "special time of the month" can bring them discomfort and pain. Sometimes menstrual period can cause backache, headache, painful cramping, moodiness, and bloating, according to CBSNews. These factors make many women suffer miserably, especially when they still have to go to work and face their everyday problems and stresses. Because of how menstrual period affects women, the issue about paid menstrual leave has now come under debate.
"Paid menstrual leave would boost a woman's motivation and productivity," said Gedis Grudzinskas, a Harley Street professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Telegraph noted. She also added that it's really hard to focus, take pride in your job or perform well while feeling lousy and grotty because of menstrual problems. That's why, menstrual leave can be a great help to many.
The concept of menstrual leave has already been mooted before in Asian countries, as stated by CTVNews. In fact, the concept started in Japan when the country enacted menstrual leave back in 1947. Also, in South Korea, women are given the opportunity to take a one-day-leave per month or receive additional salary once they choose not to take it. Women in Taiwan, on the other hand, are offered a three-day-leave in a year since 2013 when they brought the issue under their legislation. Other countries that also embraced this law include Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia and Hong Kong.
Despite being favored as one of the laws in certain countries, some women are still not availing its full benefits. One of the main reasons behind is the embarrassment they feel whenever they are tempted to avail it. They find it awkward to talk about their "thing" especially to their male bosses. Also, most women are now devoted to their jobs so much that they tend to feel guilty to rest. That's why instead of grabbing the benefits, they still choose to go to work despite their situation.
So what do you think about paid menstrual leave? Are you in favor of it? Or you think paid-sick leave is already enough to cover the needs of women? Share your ideas by commenting below.
