Why Japanese youth stood up for period leave from school

Most women experience menstruation in their lives. Although its symptoms vary among individuals, some people struggle with severe menstrual cramps and emotional instability, interfering with their daily routines. In Japan, “period leave” was enacted in 1947 as a part of the Labor Standard Act.

In December 2021, youths raised their voices to introduce it into their educational field. Japan Youth Conference submitted an official request to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

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The rate at which people take menstrual leave is remarkably low

As stated in the Labor Standard Act, “when those who have difficulty to work during their periods request leave, the employer shall not employ the women in such period.” The law leaves it up to companies to determine whether paid or unpaid leave is most appropriate.

As reported by a survey in 2021, only 0.9% of people requested period leave. According to a questionnaire, the main reasons were that period leave was not stated in employment regulations (45.2%), only few used the system in the company (29.8%) and it felt awkward to ask male bosses for leave (24.8%).

Periods can negatively affect schoolwork and school life

In another questionnaire targeting students, 92% of them agree with introducing period leave in schools. From their experiences, 93% of the students surveyed thought of taking a rest from school due to their period, yet 68% of them attended school despite feeling unwell.

The most common reasons were concern about the negative impact on their grades (62.6%) and the belief that a period is not a proper reason to be absent (57.4%). Moreover, approximately 23% responded that their parents or teachers did not allow them to rest for such a reason. Among those who didn’t take rest, over 90% experienced worsened conditions or fainting.

Raising voices to introduce period leave in schools helps improve sex education

In this situation, there is a lack of understanding for periods caused by poor sex education. When it comes to sex education, most schools separate girls and boys. Regarding periods, the mechanism and instruction of sanitary pad usage are primarily taught. There are only a few opportunities for students to learn more practical things such as PMS, PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and coping methods when symptoms are so intense that they interfere with daily life.

There are frequently no guidelines, so it is up to educators whether to accept student absences because of periods or not. Most students don’t know any alternatives other than enduring in such an environment. Age-appropriate and science-based sex education can also contribute to ending period poverty, which persistently exists as a societal issue in Japan.

Understanding the current situation involving periods can address social stigma

There are arguments both for and against the period leave system. However, the current circumstances are not ideal for achieving gender equality. This movement can promote a greater understanding of the present circumstances and inspire people to reconsider sex education in Japan. Hopefully, teaching ourselves about menstruation will be a significant step forward to reduce stigma.