Human rights are protection of human dignity. Menstruation is
intrinsically related to human dignity. When people cannot access safe
menstruation hygiene, they are not able to manage their menstruation
with dignity and it is against human rights. Women and girls may
experience negative health consequences when they lack in supplied
and facilities to manage their menstrual health. In 2020, Scotland has
set to become the first nation to provide free pads and tampons.
Scotland legislation is a milestone moment for normalizing menstruation
in Scotland and sending out that real signal for gender equality and to
end “period poverty”.

Mauritius can become the champion inclusion of sexual reproductive
health and give easy access to menstruation products which is a basic
human right.

Free sanitary pads

Mauritius budget 2017/2018 has applied gendering of tax law by
removing VAT from sanitary pads and tampons. We are proposing to
take a step further and follow the example of Scotland and become
first country in sub-Saharan region to give free sanitary pads in:

1. Public schools and Public universities

2. Community Centers and

3. “Abri du nuit”.

Sanitary Pads in schools and public universities must be given in priority
to students on social registers.

“Sex is a choice and menstruation are not.”

Menstruation leaves 

Menstrual leave is a paid or unpaid absence due to a women’s inability
to go to work because of painful menstruation. It can also be extended
to young girls attending schools, colleges or universities. According to
the American Academy of Family Physicians, dysmenorrhea- extreme
period pain is a common experience. Nearly one in five women have
pain so severe that it interferes with daily activities.

When workers know they are not going to be penalized for taking time
off to address a health issues, it both enhances productivity and also
reduces turnover. Instating paid menstrual leave is not a special
treatment because it meets a basic need of many women by
recognizing and valuing women as human beings.

Countries that offer paid menstrual leaves are:
- Indonesia – Two days per month
- South Korea- Women must be paid out for unused menstruation leave.
- Taiwan- Three days per month that is not counted against sick leave
- Zambia- One day off per month

For Mauritius, Raise Brave Girls propose to implement paid menstruation leave for
women suffering from severe menstruation cramps or period upon
production of a medical certificate. The menstruation leave shall not
be counted against sick leave.

Raise Brave Girls proposes to implement menstruation leave for students in schools, colleges and universities which should not be counted as absences.

Note: 

Raise Brave Girls has already made above proposals to National Government for pre budget proposal 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. Now, we wish to have support of all Mauritians.

About Raise Brave Girls 

Raise Brave Girls association (RBG) is a nongovernmental
organization with registered number 15483 as at 21st March
2018. RBG empowers women and young girls to achieve gender
equality at all levels; in the Republic of Mauritius, in the African
region and on the international platform.
RBG is contributing to:

·The sustainable development goal 5: achieve gender equality
and empower all women and girls.