The fact that many women experience pain during their menstrual periods first had to fight for its place as a public issue. For a long time it was only talked about in a lowered voice or whispered, it was shameful and also a bit yuck. Spain has now rolled out a wide red carpet for women’s suffering and explicitly made it a reason for sick leave. Prime Minister Sanchez found himself feminist. Is that also a role model for Germany? Rather not.
Because there are good reasons to see things differently. In this country, women who don’t want to and can’t keep up with the pain can have a doctor certify their incapacity to work anyway without special regulations, or they don’t need it at all because the pain subsides after a day, and many companies on a “sick day ‘ Don’t ask for a certificate. And ultimately it makes no difference what exactly is written on the sick leave as a diagnosis.
It remains to be seen whether there is a social trend that absolutely wants to break the taboo on the subject of menstruation. However, surveys have shown that there is a great need for information about everything that has to do with it. These mostly took place among schoolgirls who found themselves in situations of discomfort and embarrassment when their period started. It definitely makes sense to shed more light on this and to strengthen the enlightenment.
Adult women, on the other hand, should generally (sic) be able to decide for themselves how to deal with the topic and the taboo. It is therefore doubtful that a new way of dealing with it is absolutely necessary in connection with the working world. And last but not least: For all companies that are looking for staff, a broad debate about this gender-specific reason for sick leave would once again make it very clear that the woman’s body is a risk for the rosters. Not only could women become pregnant, they could also miss a day or two month after month because of abdominal cramps. It might be better to choose a man, isn’t it?
