Activist pushes for menstrual leave and support at work

CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit speaks with activist and founder of Endometriosis South Africa Bontle Moka.

Listen below:

A petition created on change.org is calling for the government to introduce policies and funding for menstrual leave and endometriosis care.

While some women are able to carry on as normal during menstruation, for others the pain, discomfort, and illness can make this feel impossible.

Moka says she was inspired to advocate for menstrual support after her own battles with endometriosis, and seeing her mother struggle as well.

“Endometriosis is more than just a bad period. It affects the entire body at times and it affects outside your body… it affects relationships, it affects mental health, but it also affects your career.” 

- Bontle Moka, Activist and founder of Endometriosis South Africa 

She says that she wants people to recognise that pain is not normal, and women should not have to push through it.

The goal of this is to have accommodations for menstrual issues worked into our labour law, and have employees and corporates accommodate these employees.

RELATED: Menstruation health is everyone’s problem – Minister of Menstruation

This could include flexible work, wellness programmes and medical aid partnerships – even if the labour law policies do not change.

“They could provide either facilities on site or give those that struggle with endometriosis or adenomyosis or even PMDD workplace areas, maybe for rest – or where it becomes acceptable to bring in your heating pad.” 

- Bontle Moka, Activist and founder of Endometriosis South Africa 

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