"A step towards progress": the University of Toulon introduces menstrual leave

This is a decision that will mark a turning point in the lives of many female students. The University of Toulon ⁽¹⁾ is introducing menstrual leave. " From the start of the next academic year, female students will be able to benefit from ten days of menstrual leave per year, upon presentation of a single medical certificate," says Rayan Ben Bahri, student vice-president of the University of Toulon. "This is a major step forward, on which student associations have been working for several years and which will allow us to better take into account the reality of menstrual pain ." In a survey conducted by Ifop (French Institute of Public Opinion), nearly one in two women said they suffered from dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and 20% even said they had " very painful " periods.

The text, voted on by the training and university life council ⁽²⁾ , is included in the study examination regulations (a sort of document which governs the rights and duties of students, Editor's note). " Voted unanimously, this menstrual leave demonstrates an openness on the part of students and teachers on this issue. We wanted to impose a single certificate so as not to leave students in the dark about medical issues. Painful periods can sometimes hide other pathologies. It is therefore also an opportunity for them to have medical monitoring and to talk about their daily lives ."

"A step towards progress"

For Véda, a law student in Toulon, " this system will change the lives of many students, that's for sure. Finally, our pain is taken into account. I am one of the women who has extreme pain during my periods. I have already been in agony and vomited before going to class. And yet I was forced to go or face unjustified absence. This menstrual leave will relieve more than one of them physically, but also psychologically, since it will be one less mental burden each month ."

The same observation is made by Samar, 20, a student in Toulon, who welcomes " a decision that is a step in the right direction. These menstrual pains are far too minimized at school and in the workplace. The introduction of this leave within the university framework is a positive change ."

1. As a reminder, the University of Toulon is represented on 3 campuses in the Var: La Garde - La Valette, Porte d'Italie - Toulon and Draguignan.

2. It brings together students and teachers in particular.