Most women would like menstruation leave, but worry about the impact on their career
A majority of women in the Netherlands need a day or two of leave when they are menstruating. However, a majority also think that menstruation leave should not be legally mandated, fearing for women’s position in the labor market, EenVandaag reported after surveying over 2,100 women who menstruate.
58 percent of women indicate that they sometimes need menstrual leave. About 20 percent said they need it almost every month. “I now have to call in sick almost every month because I’m not functioning,” one respondent said. About 40 percent said they’d take leave on occasion if necessary.
21 percent of women said they would not take menstruation leave even though they need it. “I’m a bit ashamed to tell a male boss that I have my period. I’m afraid he won’t think it’s a good enough reason to sign out.” Two-thirds of working women have never mentioned their menstrual complaints to their manager. And the third who did mostly have a female manager.
56 percent of respondents said menstrual leave should not be regulated. Women are particularly concerned that it will affect their position in the labor market. “I think it will only make the vulnerable position of women in the labor market even more vulnerable. Who will want to hire if she can constantly take time off for all kinds of things?” one respondent said.
The other women think that it should be laid down in law. “I can’t help it if I get my period, I didn’t choose it,” one said. Now, the only option is to call in sick. 54 percent of women have done this on occasion.
