Responsiveness to the Changing Global Order Towards a Contemporary Workplace: Business Case for Menstruation Leave in South Africa

Abstract

Gender inequality is one of the most complex situations facing society today. Perplexing questions within the workplace include low productivity and poor performance, perpetuated by a lack of consideration from employers, who are mostly male. Monthly menstrual cycles affecting women at work are associated with pain, mood disorders, inferiority complexes, lack of concentration, lack of equanimity, lack of consideration, and intimidation. The current study assessed how work environments can be reformed to accommodate women to achieve better performance and favorable working conditions. Though much has been done to reduce inequality gaps, persistent disparities remain, especially within the developing world. This study addressed Sustainable Development Goal number five on gender equality and reported on aspects of a wider qualitative study. An in-depth desk review of documents, papers, and articles about menstruation leave policy across the globe was undertaken. This study followed the taxonomy of Bosadi Womanhood theory, based on the premise that people create knowledge based on their individual experiences and internal knowledge. Although the article contends that it is imperative for the South African government to implement a menstruation leave policy, South Africa has yet to adopt such a policy in the workplace. Results emerging from the study will enable policymakers to rethink a better framework, which is currently based on objectification and sexism. The study recommends a paradigm shift in terms of working conditions for women within the South African context and urges reconsideration of remedies that sculpt gender-responsive prospects through policy reforms.