Women's Call for Workplace Support Faces Legal Hurdles

Across China, female workers are increasingly advocating for "period leave," a policy that would allow them to take time off work to manage menstrual pain. However, the implementation of such a policy faces significant hurdles, primarily due to the absence of state-level legal backing.

Many women experience discomfort during their periods, with symptoms ranging from lower back pain to abdominal cramps. This can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, including work. Currently, many women resort to taking sick leave to cope with these symptoms. However, this often results in pay deductions, discouraging them from taking time off.

While some provinces and cities have introduced guidelines to support period leave, these are largely advisory and lack the force of law. For example, Zhejiang province issued a guideline in 2017 requiring employers to grant paid leave to women experiencing severe menstrual pain. Other regions have followed suit, but the specifics of leave duration and payment vary.

The concept of period leave in China dates back to the 1990s, with regulations issued by central government agencies. More recent regulations have also mentioned period leave. However, unlike other forms of leave, such as marriage or maternity leave, period leave is not explicitly defined in national labor laws. This lack of legal backing makes it difficult for women to request and receive period leave.

Experts emphasize the need to incorporate period leave into national labor law to ensure women can take time off without fear of repercussions. They also highlight the importance of addressing menstrual pain seriously, as it can significantly impact a woman's well-being and daily life. Seeking medical attention for pain is crucial, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition.