The French city of Saint-Ouen, located just north of Paris, announced a pioneering measure aimed at addressing menstruation-related discomfort in the workplace. The policy, reported by France24, introduces a paid leave option specifically for menstruation, marking a notable shift in how local authorities approach gendered health needs.
Starting on March 27, eligible employees may take up to two paid days off each month, with doctor approval. Crucially, there is no wage loss for the time taken, and during these days, workers can request the option to work from home. This combination of paid time and flexible arrangements is designed to reduce the pressure during painful periods while maintaining productivity and fairness in the workplace.
The initiative was unveiled on International Women’s Day by Saint-Ouen’s mayor, Karim Bouamran. The mayor expressed a desire for the measure to serve as a model for other municipalities, hoping to spur broader action across local government in France and beyond.
Speaking to radio outlets on the day of the announcement, the mayor emphasized a moral responsibility to acknowledge and alleviate the silent suffering that many women experience monthly. He explained that the goal of the policy is to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and to reassure workers that managing menstrual health does not reduce their value or commitment at work.
In Saint-Ouen, the policy aligns with a broader conversation about gender equity and workplace health. Supporters argue that recognizing menstrual health in employment policies helps create a more inclusive environment, reduces absenteeism during peak discomfort, and demonstrates respect for employees’ well-being. Critics, meanwhile, may raise questions about implementation, monitoring, and potential impacts on small businesses or scheduling practices. Proponents contend that clear guidelines and flexible arrangements can mitigate these concerns while delivering tangible benefits to staff and the organization alike.
Beyond the policy itself, the Saint-Ouen initiative invites other cities and regions to assess how similar measures could fit different local contexts. The conversation extends to how workplaces can support health needs with practical options such as home-based tasks, adjusted workloads, or remote collaboration tools. In this sense, the measure contributes to a broader movement toward healthier, more humane work cultures that recognize the real-life experiences of people who menstruate.
Meanwhile, related discussions in other regions have examined access to hygiene products and other health-related supports. For example, some communities have explored providing reusable hygiene products at no cost, reflecting a growing trend toward reducing stigma and improving access to essential health resources. These conversations collectively shape policy development aimed at promoting equity, dignity, and practical assistance in the modern workplace.