Proposed Menstrual Leave Sparks Debate in Malawi

In a recent interview, 90% of those interviewed in Mzuzu expressed reservations about the proposal, stating that women already have many leave privileges that are often unpopular with employers.

Malawi: Some Malawians are expressing concerns that the proposed menstrual leave for women, being promoted by some feminists, could discourage employers from hiring women in the country, writes Thulani Afrika.

In a recent interview, 90% of those interviewed in Mzuzu expressed reservations about the proposal, stating that women already have many leave privileges that are often unpopular with employers.

Godley Chirwa said, "In my opinion, that's counterproductive. Some of these ideas are not good for a developing country like Malawi."

Richard Zgambo, of the Classical Barbershop in Mchengautuwa Township, added, "I don't think that would work. Already, women have a lot of off days. Ask most employers, and they will tell you how difficult it is to manage female employees. The implementation of such a leave would now endanger them. Most employers would simply start avoiding hiring women."

The comments followed the revelation that feminists are advocating for the inclusion of menstrual leave in labour laws.

Earlier this week, BBC Focus on Africa published an article about a Nigerian tech company, Klasha, which is said to have introduced a leave policy for its female employees due to menstruation.

Charity Msiska Kayuni, a primary school teacher in Mzuzu, sees both sides of the issue.

"To some extent, the idea is good," she said.

"Menstrual period is very uncomfortable. It's hard for us, women, to perform our duties diligently during that period. In that regard, I welcome the proposal. But then, that would create more problems for us. Employers would resort to just sidelining us. Already, most of these companies employ us because of the pressure they get from gender activists."

In Malawian labour laws, women are already entitled to three months of paid maternity leave, and health officials frequently urge employers to allow women time off to breastfeed their babies.

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, which is responsible for promoting and protecting the welfare of women and children in Malawi, also urges employers to create a supportive environment for women.

However, the minister was not available for comment on the menstrual leave proposal when we went to press.

The debate on this issue continues to be heated as more people offer their opinions.