House Bill No. 7758 or the Menstrual Leave Act, filed by Gabriela Party List Rep. Arlene Brosas, aims to “provide women with the flexibility and support they need to manage their reproductive health without the fear of negative consequences such as losing pay, falling behind in work, or facing disciplinary action.”
The bill requires employers in public and private sectors to provide female employees a maximum of two days paid leave every month to help them cope with menstrual difficulties without added pressure from the workplace.
It didn’t come as a surprise that the bill generated reactions from men, notably former senator Panfilo Lacson whose tweet “Next time, a legislative measure will be filed mandating menopause and andropause allowances to increase the testosterone levels of workers,” was roundly called out by netizens for being “insensitive,” “lacking empathy,” and being “misogynist.”
Aside from the poor taste of the Lacson’s tweet, there is the real concern that the well-meaning bill could backfire on women and result in discriminatory hiring practices against its supposed beneficiaries, as an additional 24 days of compensation a day for menstrual leave would surely affect employers that might turn to male applicants instead.
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said the projected increased pay for women workers due to the bill is an economic burden most companies cannot afford, especially with the world still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and struggling with a global economic slowdown.
The bill is well meaning, and would certainly be appreciated by women. However, in the end, implementation will be key and that is where the devil is in the details. If the proposed 24 paid leave days a year for women is counterproductive and could backfire, what other and more generally acceptable ways are there government and employers to help working women deal with the pain and discomfort that comes with dysmenorrhea?
This is a serious conversation that women, employers, and our legislative representatives have to engage in if we are to find a way forward that all parties can stomach.*
