In these countries, you have menstrual leave – and why don't we?

Speaking of a plan that I think we should also introduce in the Netherlands: menstrual leave. Because even though I don't need to use it, thanks to my IUD, I was really in pain when I didn't have it. Lying in a fetal position on the couch (or bed) is actually the only thing you can do. With ibuprofen and a hot water bottle. And cursing your body that — that's how it feels now — is completely squeezing your uterus.

Yes, you can feel absolutely terrible because of it, but for many women, it's a no-go to call in sick because of this. Because it’s just part of it, right? You get it every month after all. But yes, that doesn't mean you actually feel fit enough to go to the office... Or to do something productive where you have to take a different position than that of a fetus.

A number of other countries understand that, especially countries in Asia. In Japan, they have had a regulation for more than 70 (!) years that you don't have to work if you are suffering from your period. Sounds ideal, right? Well... There are still some catches, because talking about these discomforts is still quite a taboo in Japan. So the regulation exists, but not many women feel free to actually talk about it.

South Korea also has such a regulation, since 1953. In China and India, you are starting to see it more and more: different provinces have already implemented a regulation like this.

But in Western countries, in Europe and North America, such a thing simply doesn't exist. Quite strange, right? Feminism has received a lot of attention in recent years, and some people believe that menstrual leave would contradict that. Because women are fighting for equality, right? Yes, menstrual problems shouldn't be part of that. I completely disagree with that, but okay.

An opinion piece appeared in the Washington Post with the following headline: “I’m a feminist. Giving women a day off for their period is a stupid idea.” Okay, clear. Then in 2017, when a company in Australia introduced it, the response was: “As a working woman in Australia I’m insulted by this crazy plan.”

Honestly, I don't quite understand why women would be strongly against this. In my opinion, such a regulation would actually be good — and you don't have to use it, of course. If you never suffer from your period, good for you, then you can just go to work, right? I think it's a bit outdated to see such a regulation as a difference between men and women and therefore see it as inequality. It is still a difference between men and women, right? Why not acknowledge that and come up with a nice solution?

A study among Dutch women showed that 14 percent have ever called in sick due to menstrual complaints (and only 20 percent of them mentioned the real reason) and that 68 percent would like their working hours to be a bit more flexible around this time. 81 percent went to work but didn't feel as productive as usual.

The Australian Victorian Women’s Trust has implemented it, and since then it has been used 21 times (since 2017). Executive director Mary Crooks said the following about it: “I think there’s nothing but positives that have come about in our workplace as a result of it. To us, the removal of shame and stigma is one of the great big jigsaw pieces in the gender equality picture.” Well Mary, I don't know you, but I completely agree with you.