Union demands menstrual policies

Just 1% of employees have the protection of a menstrual health policy in their workplace, according to a survey by the Fórsa Irish civil and public services union. Its national conference adopted a motion calling on employers to do more to address stigma and other issues around menstrual health through “period- and menopause-friendly policies” in workplaces across the economy.

This follows a survey which found one in four respondents had been diagnosed with a condition, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome, which resulted in medical symptoms including very heavy bleeding, migraines and nausea. Over 70% had taken time off work because of their periods, but just 40% felt able to tell their line manager the real reason for their absence. Taboos around menstrual issues are preventing women from raising health problems associated with periods and menopause, the survey found.