Recently, you may have heard discussion about the new regulation in China about giving women employees one to two days of paid “menstrual leave” (source). The general goal of this policy is to provide relief for women who have painful period cramps—so then why is there such stigma around it? It has already caused a spark of indignation among women and men in China, and here in America, for many different reasons. I have heard many scoffs of disgust towards the U.S. government for not “getting with it” and following the example of China, yet after digging into the research a little, I can see why this topic is such a point of contention. Here are some of the most important things I learned.
Unfortunately, not everyone would use this system fairly. It is hard to prove if a woman is on her period, and it’s not hard for someone to abuse these sick days. Some women out there are lucky and experience little or no pain, but others have extreme pain. (Check out dysmenorrhea—it’s a real thing.) On the other hand, China’s new rule requires a “doctor’s note” of sorts in order to leave work, and sometimes that is difficult to acquire, especially for those who lack the money to afford a doctor. And, cramps are unpredictable, meaning sometimes a particularly bad onset of symptoms can begin out of nowhere when you don’t have a medical note.
Not only is it hard to prove that women are on their period, but when it comes to transgender people or others that are non-binary but still have ovaries, it creates a gray area that is even more complicated. This policy has the potential to further alienate these individuals. A way to perhaps combat this would be to address menstruation as less gendered and more about biological function within the specifics of this (theoretical) law, that way it can encapsulate all people that fall under this umbrella of period illness.
Money makes the world go round. Women getting paid one or two days a month even though she’s not working is extra money women have the opportunity to earn, that employers pay, and that men miss out on. Some men believe it to be a form of reverse sexism (which, of course, doesn’t actually exist). However, women get paid less than men, so wouldn’t a day or two of paid absence because of severe cramps be the least we could do? However, because of laws like these, employers may be more hesitant to hire women in general, which isn’t helping the gender equality gap at all. (Of course, there is already major resentment towards the government because maternity leave is still unpaid in the U.S.)
And is the concern for female employees’ bodies drawing more attention to us…in a negative way? It is good to focus on what are legitimate health concerns, but at the same time, this potentially legitimizes already-existent stereotypes by portraying women as weak, hormonal, or lazy. We don’t want to create an easy scapegoat. However, it shouldn’t embarrassing to talk about what is simply natural. Alice Dan, from the Atlantic News, puts it beautifully: “This should be a symbol for women’s emancipation. It represents their ability to speak openly about their bodies, and to gain social recognition for their role as workers.”
After looking at the social costs this would mean for women, it stands to reason why a lot of people don’t want to deal with this issue. But it’s not good to keep putting off this question.
When it comes to someone’s well-being, that should never be pushed aside or ridiculed. Yes, there are many factors to consider if America ever decides to implement a law like this, but it is never okay to criticize others who are in pain. If some kind of law was created, it has the potential for the condition of women with this burden to finally be acknowledged and hopefully lessen the unnecessary shame society conditions women feel about their bodies. Sadly, in the end, it may be that it is easier for most women to bear the pain of monthly menstrual cramps rather than to face the silent judgement in the workplace or the societal barriers that will perpetually continue. Because of this, overall I think that these laws can be more harmful than helpful.
Resources: The Atlantic, China Daily, MIC
Image Credit: Tumblr, Giphy