Portugal has truly made a historical move for workers’ rights. By enacting a new law, any person diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis may take three fully paid days off per month if their symptoms worsen to the point of debilitation.
Acknowledging Unseen Burdens
Endometriosis and adenomyosis are chronic, medical conditions that can result in debilitating pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and fatigue. For far too long, individuals who have been diagnosed with these conditions have painfully lived with them in silence, especially at work. Many worried about paycheck loss or jeopardizing job security when these conditions impacted their health requiring a pivot. By recognizing these women and the frequently unseen. The law took their existence, and law in step to stop requiring them to protect their health above their paycheck.
Courageous Efforts to Dismantle Stigma
Portugal is one of a few countries that mention menstrual health within its labor rights legislation. In part, by including menstrual health in labor rights legislation, Portugal acknowledges the medicalized gravity associated with these diagnoses, as well as the stigma and taboo associated with being open to have a conversation about them. Advocates believe this is a monumental breakthrough for workplace equality and inclusiveness.
Challenges Ahead
Critics say in order for the law to be successful, companies need to respect it. Companies will have to provide (or support) mandatory management training and set specific policies in place protecting employees, or else we could see employees putting themselves at risk again, hesitating to access their new legal right, because of the threat of judgment, stigma, or discrimination.
This reform has a strong message. Workers health matters! As we evolve the sense of labour rights and social justice, Portugal’s move sends a strong message of acceptance towards the unique human elements of trial employees face. Our health and fairness at work is also being progressed. It certainly feels and making history!
