[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="419"]
Gedis Grudzinskas, professor of obstetrics and'gynaecology, believes 'menstrual leave' would boost women's motivation and productivity when they are in the workplace[/caption]Gedis Grudzinskas, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, believes 'menstrual leave' would boost women's motivation and productivity when they are in the workplace. {I Hear You}
He even goes as far as to question if a woman were to accidentally become pregnant, should her employer pay for the termination - although concedes that 'society is unlikely to be ready for that'.
Mr Grudzinskas, formerly of St Bartholomew's Hospital in London - and who now practices in Harley Street - is a leading international figure in the field of Reproductive Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics.
Explaining his reasoning, he says: 'Some women feel really grotty when menstruating. Coming into work is a struggle and they feel lousy.
'When you feel like that, it's harder to take pride in your work or perform as well. This is about employers being sensible and aware.'
Like maternity leave, he proposes the menstrual leave should not interfere with career progression or structure.
'It would be one to three days each month, separate to sick leave entitlement – it is not sickness, after all.'
Menstrual leave is already recognised in some countries in Asia, such as Japan and Indonesia.
The concept is believed to have started in Japan in the early 20th century.
Writing in the journal Health Care for Women International, Alice J. Dan, of the University of Illinois, explains that menstruation leave first emerged as an issue in the 1920s and 1930s when employed women were mostly young, and working conditions for them were difficult.
'The lack of adequate sanitary facilities and materials made management of menstruation especially difficult for factory and transportation workers,' she said.
As a result, it was bus conductors and textile workers who were among the first workers to request menstruation leave.
I hear you Loud and Clear Dr Gedis Grudzinskas...Its not Easy to be a Woman
