Why is protecting women's health in the workplace such a problem?

It?is frustrating to read that another issue affecting women has been disregarded, and deemed as not important as issues that may have an equally negative impact on men/those without uteruses.?As a woman, hearing that by acknowledging women’s issues this would be somehow equate to being discriminatory against men, is very exasperating?–?it is simply another example of the concept that if person A has something then it directly takes from person B.??

Typically, from their first period (and sometimes slightly before) a person's life changes dramatically and they are forced to accommodate biological basics (i.e. a menstrual cycle) within a society which is still not set up to do so.?Up until January 2021 sanitary ware was not seen as an essential item and taxed in the UK. And since this tax was abolished, the cost change is actually only 1% and it's come to light that retailers are the ones pocketing the profit (estimated an average of ￡10million). Scotland to date is the only part of the United Kingdom which has passed legislation which "ensures that everyone in Scotland who menstruates can have reasonably convenient access to period products, free of charge, as and when they are required".

As is stands, the protection/ support offered to those who menstruate within learning and work places is abysmal. Unless you have an understanding employer or place of study - women still have to work through painful cramps, exhaustion, nausea, diarrhoea, hot flashes, migraines, depression and anxiety. And, please note most of these symptoms are accepted as BAU i.e. not considered extreme side effects required additional intervention.

At the end of last year, Spain passed legislation making menstrual leave a legal requirement, the first country in Europe and one of a handful globally including South Korea, Indonesia and Japan (where is has been legal since 1947!) What’s more, surveys show that including menstrual leave as a benefit improves staff morale as well as retention of staff and attracting top talent! This further suggests that should more countries move to make menstrual leave, including menopausal leave that it would very likely have a positive outcome over a negative one.?

So, yes I agree changes such as these would directly benefit (slightly more) than half the population however why when it is in support of a person's health is that a problem. We offer support to people suffering from other illnesses when they need it (everything from asthma to mental health days to cancer treatments) never question that it's discriminating to those who are fortunate enough not to be poorly. As far as I and so many can see, this is no different.

It is unfortunate that many individuals in our society are unable to see beyond their own privilege and recognise the discrimination women face every month – acting as a barrier to the simple positive changes that would benefit the lives of so many.

Throughout this article, I use the terms ‘woman’, ‘people who menstruate’ and ‘uterus owners’ interchangeably. I recognise that not all women menstruate etc. and not all people who menstruate identify as women.