Periods are a natural and unavoidable part of life for many women. Despite the debilitating symptoms that may accompany them, women are often forced to maintain a façade of normalcy in the workplace.
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Periods. They're natural, they're unavoidable, and yet they are often downright debilitating.
Yet, for centuries, society has expected women to "power through" period pain with a smile on their faces. From stomach-twisting cramps to nausea, migraines, and sheer exhaustion, many women are expected to function as though their bodies aren't waging a hormonal war.
But Zambia is flipping the script, leading Africa with a progressive menstrual leave policy - dubbed "Mother's Day" - that's got the rest of the continent talking.
Zambia's menstrual leave policy was introduced in 2015, granting women one day off per month to address period-related discomfort no doctor's note is required. Championed by Inonge Wina, Zambia's first female vice president, this policy is a bold recognition of menstrual health as a workplace concern.
While some argue its practicality, many see it as a much-needed step toward workplace gender equality and menstrual health awareness.
Let’s set the scene. It’s the first day of your period, your head is pounding, your lower back feels like it’s been hit by a truck, and the cramps make every movement excruciating.
Yet, like clockwork, you’re expected to show up to work, smile through the pain, and perform as though your body isn’t at war with itself. Sound familiar?
For many women across the globe, this is the reality of menstruation, a natural biological process that often comes with debilitating symptoms. Now, imagine if you didn’t have to push through the pain. Imagine a workplace policy that allowed you to take a day off to rest and recover, no questions asked.
In Zambia, that’s not a dream; it’s a reality. No invasive questions. Just one day to rest and deal with the physical and emotional toll of menstruation.
Employers who refuse to comply with this law can face legal action. The policy is simple yet revolutionary. Zambia isn’t alone in recognising this.
Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Spain have also implemented menstrual leave policies, though the specifics vary.
The reality of period symptoms
For many women, periods are far more than a monthly inconvenience. Common symptoms include severe cramps (dysmenorrhea), nausea, migraines, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), up to 20% of women experience period pain severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Yet, in most workplaces, menstruation is treated as a non-issue, something to “power through” quietly.
South African women know this struggle all too well. A 2021 survey by Always found that 71% of South African women feel pressure to hide their period pain at work, while 43% have had to miss work or school because of period-related discomfort.
Menstrual leave isn’t about special treatment, say health experts. It’s about acknowledging a biological reality and creating an environment where women can perform at their best without compromising their health.
Social media reignites the debate. The renewed interest in Zambia’s policy on social media has sparked passionate conversations. Instagram and Twitter users have shared their thoughts, with many praising the initiative and calling for other countries, including South Africa, to follow suit.
One user, @christine_mburu, commented: “Such a massive step towards menstrual health awareness and the truth about our period not being something we can control or postpone to the weekend. Hope Kenya gets onto this wagon.”
Another user, @gypsy_queen_jazmen, wrote: “That’s why women leaders alongside male leaders are important. Only a woman can know and understand what a woman has to go through! Yes, yes, yes! One for the TEAM.”
The sentiment is clear: Women across Africa are tired of suffering in silence. They want policies that reflect their lived experiences and acknowledge that menstruation isn’t a choice; it’s a fact of life.
Could menstrual leave work in South Africa? South Africa has made strides in addressing gender equality and women’s health.
However, the conversations around menstrual health are slowly gaining traction. While there are progressive movements like the push for free sanitary products in schools, the idea of menstrual leave is still uncharted territory.
South Africa often focuses on period poverty as a critical issue, with an estimated 30% of girls missing school due to a lack of access to sanitary products.
Let's be honest; there are cultural and societal taboos that make open conversations about periods difficult.
Zambia may be Africa’s trailblazer, but it isn’t alone in recognising the importance of menstrual leave.
Here’s how other countries stack up:
What needs to change?
Destigmatising menstruation: Open conversations about periods are crucial to combat the shame and silence that often surround this topic.
Workplace buy-in: Employers must recognise the benefits of menstrual leave, including improved productivity, employee satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism.