Should paid menstrual leave be a law in Singapore?

"Spain’s landmark decision to pass Europe's first paid menstrual leave is a powerful recognition of the physical and emotional realities that many women face every month. This step forward not only acknowledges the importance of prioritising women's health and wellbeing in the workplace, but it also sends a clear message that menstruation should not be stigmatised or dismissed as a taboo topic.

By creating a culture of openness and understanding, we can break down the barriers that hold women back and create a more equitable and inclusive world for all."

Simran Toor, CEO of non-profit organisation SG Her Empowerment (“SHE”)

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"As a society, we should work towards accepting the differences between women and men. Part of this involves steering clear of negatively judging women for simply dealing with their fundamental biological processes. Paid menstrual leave acknowledges the challenges women face in this regard.

However, before we consider ourselves ready for such a change in Singapore, employers must first start by inculcating the right workplace mindsets. Employees and managers should be made aware that women commonly struggle to manage their menstrual symptoms in order to meet their job requirements. Measures should also be implemented to ensure that women are not judged as less able to perform, simply because they have legitimate symptoms to address."

"It’s honestly about time that the idea of menstrual leave is executed around the world. I think menstrual leave is something that needs to be considered in Singapore. Periods can be extremely painful for many with Dysmenorrhea (severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during your period). And most of us experience heavy bleeding which in turn leaves us feeling uncomfortable.

Most women end up having to lie that they are taking a sick day when in fact it’s their period and they need that break. I think if they execute paid menstrual leave, many will be able to more effective and have better mental health at work!"

"I’m actually quite ambivalent about paid menstrual leave. While it’s a progressive move from a legislative standpoint, I think more needs to be done to change attitudes towards women’s health issues like menstrual symptoms or endometritis. It’s like the WFH discussion during the Covid pandemic – while it’s stipulated by the government that we should WFH during the circuit breaker period, many employers still made their employees report back to the offices. Sure, employers might be inclined to grant employees paid menstrual leave because of the bill, but do they really understand/emphasise?"