ANCYL to prioritise menstrual leave in workplaces and institutions as part of its 2025 agenda
In its Women’s Day message on Saturday, the league reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, while also prioritising women’s health and wellness.
Picture: Anna from Pixabay
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) said it would prioritise menstrual leave in workplaces and institutions as part of its 2025 agenda, a move it said was aimed at recognising the physical realities faced by women across the country.
In its Women’s Day message on Saturday, the league reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, while also prioritising women’s health and wellness.
It also raised concerns about period poverty, a challenge that continues to affect many school-going girls, who are often forced to miss classes due to a lack of access to menstrual products.
Period poverty, which refers to the limited or lack of access to sanitary products, reportedly affects at least 1 in 10 girls in the global south, including many in South Africa.
ANC Youth League spokesperson Zama Khanyase said these issues formed part of the organisation’s priorities for 2025.
"Our demands and priority issues for 2025 and beyond: introduction of period leave in workplaces and institutions to recognise the physical realities faced by women. Free sanitary towels provided in all schools and higher education institutions to protect the dignity and health of young women. Urgent and coordinated action to address teenage pregnancy, including comprehensive sexual health education and support systems for young mothers."