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:

Japan: Since 1947, women have had the right to menstrual leave, though it’s often unpaid. Only 0.9% of eligible workers reportedly use it due to stigma.
South Korea: Women are entitled to one day of unpaid leave per month. Employers who deny this leave can face fines.
Spain: In 2023, Spain became the first European country to offer paid menstrual leave, requiring a doctor’s note for eligibility.
Indonesia: Women can take two days of menstrual leave per month, though enforcement varies. Even private companies are stepping up.
Australian nonprofit Victorian Women’s Trust offers employees 12 days of menstrual and menopause leave annually, while Indian food delivery startup Zomato provides 10 days of period leave per year.

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.