Social media ignites talks about Zambia's menstrual leave

PERIODS. They’re natural, they’re unavoidable, and yet they are often downright debilitating.

- VUYLE MADWANTS!

For centuries, society has expected women to “power through” periods with a smile on their faces, often stomaching intense pain, migraines, sheer exhaustion, many women are expected to function as if their bodies aren’t waging a hormonal war.

But Zambia is flipping the script, landing Africa with a progressive menstrual leave policy – dubbed “Mother’s Day” – that’s got the rest of the continent talking.

Zambia’s menstrual leave policy was introduced in 2015, granting women one day of period leave per month to address discomfort no other is required. Championed by Inonge Wina, Zambia’s first female vice president, this policy is a bold recognition of menstrual health as a workplace concern.

While some argue its practicality, many see it as a much-needed step toward workplace gender equality and menstrual health awareness.

Let’s set the scene: It’s the first day of your period, your head is pounding, your lower back feels like it’s been hit by a truck, and the cramps make every movement like pain for free sanitary products in schools, the idea of menstrual leave is still uncharted territory.

South Africa often focuses on period poverty as a critical issue, with an estimated 30% of girls missing school due to a lack of access to sanitary products. While taboos that make open conversations about periods difficult, it can’t solely be Africa’s problem.

South Africa, since 1947, women have had the right to menstrual leave, though it’s often unpaid. Only 0.9% of eligible workers reportedly use it due to stigma.