Society Sixty Nine is calling on U.S. employers, lawmakers, and HR departments to implement optional menstrual leave—1 to 3 paid days per cycle—without requiring a doctor’s note, and separate from regular sick leave. It's time to honor the reality of menstruation and support workplace policies that promote dignity, health, and productivity.

Every month, millions of women and menstruating employees experience intense symptoms that can interfere with work: severe cramps, fatigue, migraines, nausea, brain fog, and mood swings. These aren’t minor inconveniences—they’re debilitating physical realities that deserve acknowledgment, not silence.

Yet the U.S. workplace continues to ignore the impact of menstrual health on productivity and well-being. Employees are forced to “push through” rather than being offered flexible, stigma-free leave options.

🧠 A 2019 study in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle affect memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance.

📉 According to a 2022 report in British Medical Journal, menstrual symptoms contribute to an average 23.2% loss in workplace productivity.

We’re Petitioning For:
1–3 optional paid menstrual leave days per month
No doctor’s note required
Leave to be separate from traditional sick leave
Protected confidentiality and no workplace penalties for use
 
🌍 It’s Already Being Done
Countries like Japan, Indonesia, Spain, and Zambia have already implemented menstrual leave policies. Some progressive companies like Zomato have taken initiative too. It’s time for the U.S. to lead with empathy and science-backed policy.

 
⬇️Why This Matters
This is not about special treatment. It’s about:

✨Giving menstruators the ability to rest when they need it
✨Promoting productivity by letting employees return at full capacity
✨Reducing stigma around periods in professional spaces
✨Advocating for gender equity in labor policy
✨We’re not asking for extra days—we’re asking for equitable policies that respect the health of half the workforce.

 
✍️ Sign This Petition
Let’s urge employers and lawmakers to take action. Stand with us to normalize menstrual leave in the workplace.

#MenstrualLeaveNow #PeriodEquity #LeaveTheStigma