It seems every month I, along with many other women, find myself making the difficult choice between nursing awful menstrual cramps at home or pushing through the pain to go into work. Our male colleagues don't have to make this compromise. Modern society should recognize that menstruation is a natural physiological process which, for some women, can cause severe discomfort and pain that shouldn't be ignored in a professional setting. Over 800 million women globally experience menstruation monthly, often with accompanying physical and emotional challenges (WHO, 2021), forcing them to perform below their potential or to take unpaid leave.

Countries like Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and, more recently, Zambia, have taken a step forward by introducing paid menstrual leave. In light of this, it’s time that all workplaces account for the significant segment of the workforce who menstruate and institute policies that allow for paid menstrual leave.

By signing this petition, you will stand in support of mandating paid menstrual leave which will contribute to providing equal opportunities for all workers, fostering better mental and physical health, and promoting overall productivity in the workplace. The concept of menstrual leave is not about treating women as weaker but about recognizing and respecting that women's bodies work differently and that their needs should not be neglected. Please sign this petition and contribute to a fair, equitable work environment.