MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas has filed House Bill 7758, which proposes the implementation of menstrual leave of up to two days per month with full days pay for all female employees in the public and private sectors.
The proposed bill seeks to provide women with the flexibility and support they need to manage their reproductive health without the fear of negative consequences such as losing pay, falling behind in work, or facing disciplinary action.
Gabriela, a women’s rights advocacy group, believes that providing menstrual leave will not only benefit women but also contribute to a more inclusive and productive workplace.
“According to Hum Reprod Update, between 45 and 95 percent of menstruating women suffer from primary dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation. MRS patients are also found to have lower scores in several domains of quality of life during their periods, such as general health, physical, mental, social, and occupational functioning,” HB 7758 said.
“According to a survey released by BMJ Open, MRS also causes a great deal of lost productivity, and presenteeism is a bigger contributor to this than absenteeism. Women workers would rather go to work despite being in pain than have their wages deducted due to absences,” it added.
In an explanatory note, Gabriela explained that menstruation-related symptoms (MRSs) are diverse and widespread among women, affecting their physical and mental health, as well as their work performance. By providing menstrual leave, employers can create a more supportive and accommodating work environment that prioritizes the needs of their female employees.
Gabriela added that menstrual leave had become a progressive legislation introducing new reproductive rights in some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia. By implementing similar measures, the Philippines can join the growing number of countries that recognize the importance of supporting women’s reproductive health and well-being.
“Last February 16, 2023, Spain became the first European country to provide workers with three days paid menstrual a month with the option of extending it to five days,” Gabriela noted.
If passed into law, the menstrual leave bill will be a significant step toward promoting gender equality and reproductive rights in the Philippines. Gabriela hopes that this legislation will pave the way for more initiatives that prioritize the needs and rights of women in the workplace and beyond.– WhatALife!/Jayve
Also read: Spain to offer 3-day menstrual leave through new law
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