Menstrual Equality: What Global Menstrual Leave Policies Mean for Wisconsin Schools and Workplaces

MENSTRUAL LEAVE is gaining traction!

The challenges that millions face managing their periods at school or work are still present. But recent policy changes are in the works, and menstrual leave is gaining traction!

Menstrual leave supports health and productivity. This post explores how these policies vary globally and examines the current landscape in Wisconsin.

What Is Menstrual Leave?

Menstrual leave allows individuals to take paid or unpaid time off during their period when symptoms cause discomfort or impair functioning. This policy recognizes menstruation as a legitimate health concern requiring rest or treatment, aiming to reduce stigma and support well-being.

Global Policies

Several countries have adopted menstrual leave, but implementation varies:

• Japan (Since 1947): Permits women to take menstrual leave without penalty, though it is often underutilized due to workplace culture.

• South Korea: Allows for unpaid menstrual leave to protect workers’ health.

• Indonesia: Employees are entitled to two paid days of menstrual leave per month.

• Zambia: Introduced one day off per month in 2015.

• Italy and Spain: Currently rely on voluntary company initiatives, with no national mandate.

  
  

These examples show that cultural attitudes significantly influence policy use and acceptance.

The U.S. and Wisconsin Landscape

The United States does not have a federal law mandating menstrual leave. Schools and workplaces generally rely on standard sick leave or personal days. This approach creates barriers for those with severe symptoms like endometriosis or heavy bleeding.

Wisconsin's Current Reality: Advocacy for Equity

While formal menstrual leave is not currently part of the legislative discussion in Wisconsin, state efforts are focused heavily on the core components of menstrual equity: affordability and access.

• Affordability: There is ongoing legislative work to eliminate the "Tampon Tax" (State Bill AB 177/SB 114), which is the sales and use tax applied to menstrual products. Advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Wisconsin, support removing this tax to treat menstrual products like other medical necessities.

• Access in Schools: Recent legislative proposals (such as Senate Bill 590 and Assembly Bill 631) have been introduced, aiming to mandate free menstrual products in all public school restrooms. Though these bills have faced challenges, they demonstrate that legislative representation is actively working to address period poverty in educational settings.

  
  

The Voices of Change: Menstrual Equity Advocacy in Wisconsin

Representation for menstruators is driven primarily by grassroots organizations, student groups, and public health advocates who are building community support for policy change.

1. Grassroots and Nonprofit Efforts (The Direct Impact)

Local non-profits like Project Red Moon, Inc. and other Wisconsin-based groups, such as Bleed Shamelessly, are on the front lines. Their work provides the data and personal stories that legislators need to understand the issue:

• Product Provision: By distributing free products (like your reusable pads), these groups directly alleviate poverty and demonstrate the tangible need.

• Local Policy: Organizations like Bleed Shamelessly have successfully advocated for local city ordinances, such as those in Madison, WI, requiring free menstrual products in public restrooms. These local wins build momentum for statewide change.

  
  

2. Legislative and Coalition Advocacy

Advocates represent menstruators by working with key legislative committees and organizations:

• Public Health Organizations: Groups like the American College of Physicians-Wisconsin and Embolden WI (formerly the Wisconsin Alliance for Women's Health) actively lobby for menstrual equity bills, including the tax exemption and in-school provision.

• Addressing Barriers: Advocates focus on convincing lawmakers that product access is crucial for educational equity (reducing student absenteeism) and economic equity (saving low-income families money).

  
  

3. Student Representation

The University of Wisconsin (UW) system often serves as a testing ground, where student government groups successfully advocate for pilot programs to place free menstrual products in campus restrooms. These initiatives set precedents and provide case studies that can be used to lobby for changes in K-12 schools across the state.

These diverse efforts, from providing a tangible product in Racine to pushing complex tax policy in Madison, are all necessary forms of representation that lay the groundwork for a future conversation on broader menstrual leave policies in Wisconsin.

Key Benefits and Challenges

Benefits

Implementing menstrual leave can:

• Allow individuals to rest and manage symptoms without penalty.

• Normalize menstruation and reduce stigma.

• Improve attendance and retention.

• Support gender equity by recognizing unique health needs.

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Challenges

Concerns include:

• Potential for misuse: While often cited as a concern even though evidence to support widespread misuse is limited. While often cited as a concern, evidence to support widespread misuse is limited.

• Risk of discrimination or stereotype reinforcement if cultural change lags behind policy.

• Complexity in balancing fairness, privacy, and operations.

  
  

Moving Forward in Wisconsin

Wisconsin schools and employers can take immediate steps without new legislation to support menstrual health:

• Provide Menstrual Products: Ensure access to free reusable (like those from Project Red Moon!) or disposable products in restrooms.

• Encourage Flexibility: Allow remote learning or work options during severe symptoms.

• Educate Staff and Students: Host workshops to reduce stigma and normalize the conversation.

• Adapt Leave Policies: Explicitly make existing sick leave inclusive of menstrual health needs.

• Listen to Needs: Use surveys or focus groups to identify the most helpful support strategies.

  
  

By taking these proactive steps, Wisconsin can create supportive environments for all who menstruate.

If you or someone you know is in need of menstrual supplies, please use the contact us section on our website, www.projectredmoon.com, for more information.