As the world continues to become more progressive, there still is a huge taboo regarding the conversation of periods in the workplace. This stigma presents itself through sexist comments, lack of facilities and more.
DPG Learn, a CIPD approved centre, undertook a survey in 2019 to find out what issues women and menstruators are facing in the workplace, and found that 60% feel that they couldn’t talk to their managers or colleagues about their periods. Not being able to talk about periods can cause many different issues, such as being unable to ask for sanitary products if needed, and being forced to act normal through varying levels of pain. In the same survey, it was revealed that “57% have had to lie to their managers about the reason for sick days.”
Other reasons for periods not being discussed in the workplace stem from other colleagues not believing in the extent of period pains, and also because of the ridiculous idea that periods are unhygienic or unclean.
How does this affect anyone?
The impact of period stigma also manifests through access to facilities and support. In the survey by DPG Learn it was revealed that over one-quarter of women and menstruators do not have access to sanitary bins at their work, 72% have no way of getting sanitary products at work, and less than 10% can request back supports or heat pads to alleviate pain.
How can we overcome this stigma?
The only way to overcome the stigma is by creating space for conversation. By doing this, not only will women and menstruators feel more comfortable in the workplace, but the facilities and access to support will improve. Providing training for staff and managers could be a start to the conversation.
This is deffo something that needs to be progressed. I don’t tend to suffer from so much pain, but the exhaustion is real, twice a month, like clock work. Throw in any extra pressures like a virus or childcare issues and I’m floored. I love being a woman, however more support around this stuff is way past needed.