Menstrual Leave | Opposing Respondents Become Female Employers There are companies to take a day off without reason

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Written by: Yang Jialang

2020-08-15 23:27

Many women have suffered from menstrual pain, which can even affect their work performance. However, there is no statutory menstrual leave in Hong Kong. According to a survey, most of the employees interviewed support the government to increase the number of menstrual leave, but most employers who oppose menstrual leave are women. Among the respondents who opposed the establishment of menstrual leave, 60% were actually female employers, mainly because they believed that the company had provided sick leave and worried that the menstrual leave would be abused.

The Young Women Chamber of Commerce, which is in charge of the investigation, urged the government to increase the number of menstrual leave and give women a friendly working environment. Some companies allow employees to enjoy "one day off without reason" every month, which applies to both male and female employees.

Fang Yanying, the chairman of the Hong Kong Young Women Chamber of Commerce, and Liu Jiaying, chairman of the "Moon Come Moon Love" organizing committee, reported the results of the questionnaire. (Photo by Yang Jialang)

The Hong Kong Young Women Chamber of Commerce organized the "Period Love" questionnaire survey on "How to increase the number of physiological holidays in Hong Kong". In June this year, 755 people were successfully interviewed, of which 8 became employees and 2 became employers. As a result, 90% of employees supported the government Increased efforts to set menstrual leave. 25% said they had been discriminated against by employers for taking leave due to menstrual discomfort.

Employer: Painful female employees have no meaning to stay in the company

As for the employers interviewed, 70% and 30% were for and against. Among those who object to the establishment of menstrual leave, 57% are female employers; some employers believe that the company has provided sick leave, and worry that the menstrual leave will be abused, which is unfair to other colleagues.

Li Jinhua, the chief executive of the information technology company "Innopage", stated at the press conference that the company provides "one day off without reason" every month. It was originally only for female colleagues. The default is menstrual leave. After inquiries by male employees, it is changed to both men and women. This holiday. He said that even from a commercial point of view, menstrual leave is also desirable. “It’s meaningless to leave a painful person (female employee) in the (company). It’s better to take it off.” He pointed to the trust and trust among employees. There are benefits in business ethics.

EOC chairman appeals to employers to support female employees

Fang Yanying, chairman of the Hong Kong Young Women Chamber of Commerce, shared that when talking about menstrual pain is a "taboo" in Hong Kong, he described women as "you know when you have suffering." Liu Jiaying, chairman of the preparatory committee of "Moon Lai Yue Ai", also said that menstrual pain can be very serious. Some students were sent to hospital because of menstrual pain. They pointed out that many areas have set up menstrual leave, such as Taiwan and Japan, and hope that the Hong Kong government can refer to the practice and consider setting up menstrual leave to provide women with a friendly working environment.

Zhu Minjian, Chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission, delivered a speech electronically as the officiating guest. He expressed his concern about the issue of menstrual leave and encouraged employers to provide female employees with support and a friendly working environment.

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