(F) Luxury Goods: Is Menstrual Leave Really Necessary?

In April 2016, the deputies Mura, Iacono, Rubinato and Sbrollini put forward a bill for the institution of leave for women suffering from dysmenorrhea, that is, strictly paid days off from work, for all women who have a particularly painful menstrual cycle.
Although the request dates back almost four years, the proposal has been practically forgotten by the legislative bodies. Surprised? We very little

While in many countries of the world the so-called "menstrual leave" has been a widespread practice for years, in Italy we only have one pending bill. But is it really useful or, as some say, is it just a way for companies to further control us?

In reality, the leave for dysmenorrhea is already a widespread practice in the East and is linked to an ancient thought according to which, to work hard during the days of menstruation, leads to infertility.
In Japan it has been active since the Second World War. It served as an incentive to work for women who, as has often happened in history, suffered this social impetus only in times of crisis such as the post-war period, to rebuild entire nations. Other nations where menstrual leave are also included are China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea.

In Russia, in 2015, there was "a bill on the matter, but it was contested by feminist movements because it reported sexist phrases such as"the menstrual cycle leads to colorful expressions, a symptom of emotional distress", making it clear, once again, how some men continue to see menstruation.

But is menstrual leave necessary?

About 15% of women of childbearing age suffer from dysmenorrhea and if the period is rather unpleasant for all of us, there are people who are seriously disabled for a couple of days a month, to the point of having to take sick days to stay. at home. A really interesting fact? According to companies that already take menstrual leave for employees (Nike, for example), after those days off, women are statistically more productive.
If already being out all day, when you have your period, is heavy for everyone, imagine having to take means, make meetings and go to meet the interperie with excruciating pain or maybe completely numb from painkillers. Draw your own conclusions about it, but for us it is really necessary!