Menstrual Leave Bill in the Philippines: Assessing Awareness and Attitudes among University Employees

Abstract

In 2023, the Philippine Congress introduced House Bills 6728 and 7758, collectively known as the Menstrual Leave Bill, which seeks to grant paid leave for female employees experiencing menstrual discomfort. This legislation aims to address workplace inequalities and enhance the well-being of female employees, reflecting the increasing recognition of women's health issues in professional settings. However, concerns about potential gender discrimination, misuse of leave, and increased menstrual stigma have been raised (Prieto, 2024). This study examines female employees' awareness and knowledge of the bill and how these shape their attitudes and perceptions toward its support, based on data from a state university in the Philippines. Results indicated that job roles significantly influenced awareness of the bill, with non-teaching personnel demonstrating higher levels of knowledge compared to teaching staff. While general awareness of the bill did not significantly influence attitudes, perceptions of its benefits for workplace culture and its alignment with diversity initiatives showed a strong positive correlation with support for its implementation. Respondents who perceived the bill as beneficial to employee morale and promoting inclusive workplace practices were more likely to express support for its implementation. These findings highlight the need for targeted awareness campaigns and engagement strategies to foster a supportive, gender-sensitive workplace environment. The Menstrual Leave Bill reflects a broader societal effort to normalize discussions around menstruation and raise awareness of menstrual health. Such legislative measures not only promote women's health and well-being in the workplace but also serve as a critical step toward advancing gender equity and inclusivity.