The Pains of Period Leave

A new regulation in Shandong Province that would guarantee women days off from work for menstrual pains sparked discussions on social media. While many praised the move as protecting women’s rights in the workplace, others expressed concerns it would make women less competitive in the job market. Similar regulations ensuring period leave have been passed in other Chinese cities. However, none were well implemented. Women on social media said it was either difficult to obtain the required medical proof of their menstrual pain or feared that asking for leave would harm their standing at work. Observers said that such regulations require supporting measures, such as reducing costs to employers.