A law has been passed in Zambia that would allow women to go on leave when they are receiving monthly periods, thanks to noise from working class women and legislatures.
The law, which is part of the country’s labour laws, allows women to be absent from work without seeking permission from their bosses. It also states that every woman MUST go for a leave once a month, which is one day, to allow her recover from the effects of menses.
Any boss who denies women employees permission to stay home during that period would be prosecuted, the law adds.
Several women have welcomed the law, stating that women will now be comfortable working during normal days because they are assured of leave.
“I am happy the law has passed. This is a win for women because we suffer a lot during these important days”.I will now concentrate on my work as I wait for that day”, Says a woman who experiences periods for five days.
Even as women celebrate, men are worried they will take all the burden at work as women enjoy their leave. They also seek to have one day of drinking, if at all the government is gender sensitive.