The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is calling for the allocation for 12 days paid menstruation leave rather than the three days, menopausal leave and paternity leave in the Employment Relations Act.
While making submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh says women go through menstruation every month and some going through twice a month, and it affects women differently.
Singh suggests there should be a distinct separation between sick leave and menstruation leave as having separate menstruation leave allows menstruating women's needs such as rest to be recognized without using up sick days that might be needed for other health issues.
While responding to Committee member and Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau on the number of days, Singh says not that all women will be taking menstruation leave, but those who need it.
She stresses that menstruation and menopause is a natural occurrence, and these should be taken into account.
INSERT: Singh on 12 days 9 feb
Singh has rejected the idea of reducing annual or sick leave to offset menstruation leave.
She says these access gaps may lead to low productivity and discomfort at work.
Singh says they also recommend that the proposed Bill include provisions that provide reasonable accommodation for women so that they can menstruate at work with dignity which can include paid break time, bathroom facilities that include showers, uniform changing options, hot water bags, menstrual products, and options to leave work early due to heavy flow or cramps.
The Executive Director also suggests the Bill to also include reasonable accommodation for women during their menopause period that include paid menopausal leave as well.
While also noting that the Bill still does not accommodate for paternity leave, Singh is also calling for a return of paternity leave to promote gender equality so that it will balance caregiving responsibilities, further reducing the burden on mothers on unpaid care work burden.
She says they have to be very mindful not to discriminate against other types of family unions as well which will have children.
Singh says same-sex couples and couples who adopt children must get the same paternity entitlements for child bonding, love and trust building.
While responding to Committee Deputy Chairperson and Opposition MP Premila Kumar's question on concerns expressed by women that employers will not choose women to work or give them employment, Singh says if we believe we are a modern society, we recognize women as having skills and capabilities to do any type of work that they would like to do, match their education and qualifications, then we have to be prepared to also understand that biologically women are different and that cannot be used as a point of discrimination.
She stresses providing for specific leave for women, because their biology demands it, is not regression but is being very progressive and positive and understanding of the fact that women are equal contributors.
Singh also says for every type of benefit, there is some likelihood of being abused so it falls on the employers and those who run organisations to put in procedural mechanisms, build an understanding of what happens if we abuse certain benefits and entitlements and work towards everyone understanding what the leaves are for and having a gradual move towards compliance.
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