Do We Really Need “Period Leave” Policy?

A Bristol based Company ‘Coexist’ is reportedly planning to create an official “Period Policy “in an attempt to synchronise work with women’s monthly cycle. This policy will allow women to take time off without being stigmatised in the hope that it will make its workplace more efficient and creative.

Bex Baxter, the director of Coexist said “I have managed many female members of staff over the years and I have seen women at work who are bent over double because of the pain caused by their periods. Despite this, they feel they cannot go home because they do not class themselves as unwell.

“And this is unfair. At Coexist we are very understanding. If someone is in pain – no matter what kind – they are encouraged to go home. But, for us, we wanted a policy in place which recognises and allows women to take time for their body’s natural cycle without putting this under the label of illness.”

Coexist is the first one in UK to come up with this policy. Other Company’s might follow the suit. However, real question here is whether or not women actually need a ‘period leave’? When decided to listen to the debate it has caused, two views emerged.

No need View:

We talk about women empowerment and gender equality. Asking for period leave is exactly opposite of that and will put women again in the weaker section of the society. This may also lead to some women taking undue advantage of this policy. If any women does suffer from excruciating pain during menstruation, then she would be able to produce medical certificate and opt for sick leave.

Its needed view:

For too long there’s been a taboo surrounding periods and many women are ashamed to admit that they are suffering from period pain. This period policy will break down the shame. If you are allowed to work with your natural rhythms, your creativity and intelligence is more fulfilled and that’s good for organisations as well.

Well, you can see these two are quite diverse views, as one believes that, period policy will put women at a disadvantage as compared to their male counterparts, while others feel there’s nothing sexist about this idea. Let us know what you think via Facebook/ twitter.