Menstrual Hygiene is a Human Right

“The days of women going to work in pain are over.”- Spain’s Equality Minister Irene Montero In many European societies we have witnessed the influence of feminism in the drafting and passing of specific pieces of legislation which are aimed at making life a bit more manageable for women. Recently, Spain became the first country in Europe to pass a three days paid menstrual leave. This groundbreaking legislation is only available to a few countries; these countries are Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia. The Spanish Equality Minister Irene Montero, an outspoken feminist in the leftwing government, hailed "a historic day of progress for feminist rights". The law gives the right to a three-day “menstrual” leave of absence with the possibility of extending it to five days for those women with disabling periods, which can cause severe cramps, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting. The leave requires a doctor's note, and the public social security system will foot the bill. Research indicate that a significant number of women who menstruate suffer from severe pain known as dysmenorrhea. According to the Cleveland Clinic dysmenorrhea is the medical term for painful menstrual periods which are caused by uterine contractions. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to recurrent pain, while secondary dysmenorrhea results from reproductive system disorders. Menstrual cramps can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month. Female Sexual and Reproductive Rights A women’s right to sexual and reproductive health is a critical component regarding her overall well being and wellness. Unfortunately, female sexual and reproductive rights are still not discussed on a large-scale basis especially in those societies with an overarching culture of patriarchy and misogyny in which sex is still much a tabooed subject. Violations of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights are often due to deeply engrained beliefs and societal values pertaining to women’s sexuality. Women’s sexual and reproductive health is related to multiple human rights, including the right to life, the right to be free from torture, the right to health, the right to privacy, the right to education, and the prohibition of discrimination. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) have both clearly indicated that women’s right to health includes their sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, the Special Rapporteur on the right to health maintains that women are entitled to reproductive health care services, and goods and facilities that are: accessible economically and without discrimination. Parliamentary representation matters. Additionally, Europe and the Scandinavian countries have been rather progressive in this regards given their leadership and participation in parliamentary affairs. It is important to note that the main trade union in Spain also supported the move to have paid menstrual leave. It would be very interesting to see what happens in the Caribbean on this issue and other related issues such as period poverty. Period Poverty Across the globe, thousands of girls lack the resources to manage basic menstrual hygiene and are denied equal learning opportunities, as they often skip school or classes while having their period as a result. This is unacceptable! Period poverty is described by the UN as the struggle many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual products. The term also refers to the increased economic vulnerability women and girls face due the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. These include not only menstrual pads and tampons, but also related costs such as pain medication and underwear. Sadly, many women and girls globally have had improvise to use unsuitable alternatives to manage their periods. The most recent report from children’s charity Plan International UK states that one in 10 young women (14-21) have been unable to afford period products. In London, this number is closer to one in seven. It would be instructive to know the data specifically for Caribbean societies in order to inform policies regarding menstrual hygiene. Period poverty does not only affect women and girls in developing countries; it also affects women in industrialized countries. Human rights are rights that every human being has by virtue of his or her human dignity. Menstruation is intrinsically related to human dignity when people cannot access safe bathing facilities and safe and effective means of managing their menstrual hygiene; they are not able to manage their menstruation with dignity. The United Nations adds menstruation-related teasing, exclusion and shame also undermine the principle of human dignity. Gender inequality, extreme poverty, humanitarian crises and harmful traditions can all turn menstruation into a time of deprivation and stigma, which can undermine their enjoyment of fundamental human rights. New York City now supplies menstrual hygiene products free of charge in public schools, prisons and homeless shelters, acknowledging that menstrual hygiene products should be treated and supplied just like toilet paper, soap and water. This move by the State of New York is rather progressive and removes all financial burdens for students who struggle to afford period products and stigma by placing these products in a place where students can access them without having to draw attention to the need for them in the first place. In other states such as Ohio, the sale tax on menstrual products has been removed. Menstrual health issues are human rights issues. As a result the impact of menstrual health is of importance to the wider society as a whole. This means that men and boys must be involved in conversations about gender equality and promoting positive masculinities aiming to eliminate menstruation-associated stigma and discrimination. In order to rid societies of myths associated with menstrual health we must think outside of the box and engage non-traditional stakeholders in ongoing discourse to pass the requisite legislation and provide the policy framework which is clearly not keeping pace with the realities of our times. National Dialogue Needed There is no need to reinvent the proverbial wheel. We have evidence which can be used to assist in lifting the financial burden associated with purchasing menstrual products. An investment in our women and girls will reap huge dividends and create a more equitable society. How will our trade unions in Jamaica approach the issue of menstrual leave? Will we see our trade unions for example lead in this matter of paid menstrual leave? Will Jamaica takes the lead in legislating for this type of leave in the Caribbean? Menstrual Hygiene Day takes place on 28 May every year. It's a chance to highlight the importance of menstrual care, and raise awareness about the issues faced by those who do not have access to sanitary products. The time is perhaps opportune for Jamaica’s female parliamentarians to debate the issues of period poverty and paid menstrual leave. Certainly, the issue of paid menstrual leave is worthy of a national dialogue especially against the background of the CEDAW treaty which is a tool of empowerment to bring about changes for women in their daily lives. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #menstrualleave #periodpoverty #genderequality