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Near Toulouse, in Haute-Garonne, a start-up offers its female employees the possibility of taking menstrual leave during their periods.
In a furniture company in Labège (Haute-Garonne), the team of cabinetmakers is made up of 50% women. This very physical work becomes painful for the latter, during their periods. “We are up all day, we carry heavy loads, (…) and it’s true that when we have our period, we can be tired, we don’t have all the energy to put into work”explains Jessica Lhez, cabinetmaker.
For the past month, the start-up has been experimenting with menstrual leave. Women can benefit from an additional day off per month, if they feel the need, at the time of their period. Previously, they took paid leave. “We found that it was simply unfair”, explains Manu Jean, cabinetmaker and project leader. The measure is in the experimental phase, but the leaders of the start-up want to make it permanent. Only a few French companies offer menstrual leave. It has existed in Japan for over 70 years.