“Today, one in five menstruating people suffers from severe cramps, one in ten suffers from endometriosis and one in ten suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome”, recalls in the preamble Zemorda Khelifi, vice-president of the Lyon metropolitan area in responsible for human resources. On Sunday, the community will put in place “menstrual leave”. A measure which will concern half of its agents, namely 4,322 women precisely.
“All those who suffer from painful periods will be able to benefit from two days off per month, upon presentation of a medical certificate. Just one will be enough for the whole year,” explains Bruno Bernard, president of the metropolis, for whom this measure is “not simply symbolic.” “This will prevent them from being penalized for their absences. Absences which can sometimes cause misunderstanding on the part of managers or penalize them in the rest of their careers,” he argues.
“This will make it possible to lift the taboo of painful periods,” says Zemorda Khelifi, specifying that this “measure will also concern transgender people”. And what does it matter if some people imagine that this could encourage absenteeism. “I don’t think there will be any abuse. It’s an evolution,” replies Florane, met in one of the metropolis’ offices. She specifies that she does not encounter such problems. “I am lucky, I have never had to writhe in pain but this measure is useful for women who will not have to justify themselves. »
“The private sector does it, why not the public? »
“I think it’s good that women’s problems are being taken into account,” greets Emeline in turn. We had become so used to doing without. When I was young, I had painful periods. I bent over backwards, so much so that the teachers sent me to the infirmary or the rest room. And then I ended up taking a pill continuously and the pain disappeared. » After stopping this pill and the birth of her two children, “the symptoms never returned”. “But I know what it is, so I find it very good,” she repeats.
“The private sector does it, why not the public? », observes Zemorda Khelifi while Bruno Bernard “regrets that there are no national measures”. “We will try to convince,” he continues.
The metropolis of Lyon will also launch “natural pregnancy termination leave” on October 1 for civil servants who have experienced a miscarriage. They will also benefit from two days of rest, like their spouse. With the possibility of installing it once or twice within three months.