Possibility of menstrual leave depends on discussion with stakeholders – Rebecca Buttigieg

The possibility of menstrual leave being introduced is dependent on discussions with stakeholders, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, told The Malta Independent on Monday.

On Monday, Buttigieg addressed a press conference on menstruation and the stigma surrounding the subject. She said that the discussion on menstrual leave needs to be incorporated in the same subject.

Last February, former PL MP Rosianne Cutajar had called for a national discussion about menstrual leave, while delivering an adjournment speech in Parliament. However, following her resignation from Parliament prompted by the emergence of intimate chats between her and Yorgen Fenech, as from prior to his arrest in connection with the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, the subject has remained untouched.

Referring to some of the main concerns that most people seem to talk about, Buttigeig said that some say that menstrual leave is a need for woman who suffer from dilapidating health conditions during their cycle, whilst others say that “menstrual leave is going to increase the stigma, and in one way send out the message that women are weaker than men.”

However, she said that this discussion cannot be taken in isolation, as it is to be taken as part of an “ongoing discussion, where we are more openly discussing this subject.”

Pressed for a time frame for the possibility of seeing the implementation of menstrual leave, Buttigieg said that this is a discussion that needs to happen with all stakeholders.

"Let's discuss how we can better introduce, and if we should introduce this concept so that we take the best decision for the best of our country", she said.

In February, The Malta Independent on Sunday had also taken the initiative to ask employers what they think of the proposal, where they described it as ‘not practicable’ and ‘unjustified.’