SDLP Foyleside Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr
The motion will mean that Council will write to the negotiating body for local government services, the National Joint Council, asking them to explore how paid menstrual leave could be included in the contacts of Council employees and Council will also call on the Minister for the Economy to introduce paid menstrual leave in the North of Ireland.
Speaking after her motion secured unanimous support, Cllr. Seenoi-Barr said: “While some women cruise through their monthly cycle, many others experience a range of side-effects and this can have a profound effect on their working life.
“Despite this, for far too many years women facing debilitating and crippling pain have been expected to just pull themselves together and go to work.
“The truth is that the absence of paid leave means many women simply have no other option but to try to work through the pain.
“We need to break the stigma of period pain and follow the example of countries around the world like South Korea, Japan and Taiwan by recognising that women should be entitled to paid menstrual leave to enable them to live happier and healthier lives.
“I am very pleased that my motion has passed Council with unanimous support in a clear sign that the people here support women on this crucial issue.
“This policy will hopefully offer employees a direct, employer-endorsed pathway to rest, workers who might otherwise deny or internalise pain. That’s a fair deal for everyone.”
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