Rosianne Cutajar Calls For Discussion On ‘Period Pain Leave’ After Qormi Woman Loses Job
PL MP Rosianne Cutajar recently called for a national discussion regarding the introduction of menstrual leave while speaking in Parliament.
This came after a young Maltese woman lost her job after missing work due to period pains, with Cutajar speaking to the woman and deciding to bring up the topic during Parliament as a result.
“I wanted to raise this discussion on a national level,” Cutajar said addressing Malta’s Parliament on Tuesday.
“I promised to be her voice,” she said.
Contrary to popular belief, discussions involving women’s menstrual cycles are still a huge taboo in Malta. Cutajar had this confirmed when she personally spoke to some doctors, who told her that they don’t write sick leave certificates for people experiencing period pains.
“We are finally recognising menstrual issues as part of the right to health and we are fighting the stigma and the silence,” Cutajar said quoting a Spanish Minister.
Some countries have already implemented this type of leave, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Zambia.
Spain is the first and so far only European country to propose a law offering menstrual leave, though it has yet to come into effect.
Menstrual leave would allow workers who experience painful period pains to take time off without any major repercussions.
Meanwhile, Cutajar questioned how this may affect the gender pay gap and was concerned about the number of days which would be available for leave.
The law, if ever implemented, may be abused by some, meaning that some regulations should be applied.
Do you think a law on menstrual leave should be imposed?
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