Workers’ menstrual experiences and perceptions towards menstrual leave in Indonesia

This study focuses on Indonesian workers’ menstrual experiences at work and their perceptions, as well as attitudes toward menstrual leave. Menstruation, a crucial human reproductive function, is often ignored and even stigmatized, which makes the study necessary. What frequently happens is the neglect of the menstruators’ rights, including their rights in the workplace. Workers’ experiences are essential because only through their stories can we truly understand what they need when menstruating at work. Collecting workers’ stories was carried out through qualitative interviews that prioritized the emic perspective. The primary conclusions of the study are workers’ menstrual experience and their perceptions, as well their attitudes, are highly influenced by the combination of menstrual stigma and gender dynamics in the organization.