Popular French supermarket announces days off for menstruation, miscarriages and more

In the name of gender equality, Carrefour is going to set up a new and improved system. The popular French supermarket brand will offer, as of this summer, special days off for employees suffering from endometriosis, but also for employees who have had a miscarriage, or who are undergoing ART, assisted reproductive technology. This could inspire other big companies to do the same, which could mean a lot for women everywhere.

Carrefour instates leave for endometriosis, miscarriage and ART

Alexandre Bompard, the CEO of Carrefour, has announced the implementation of a system designed to 'remove all difficulties in our company that prevent real equality between women and men'. From the summer of 2023, female employees suffering from endometriosis will be entitled to 12 days of absence per year, provided they have a document certifying 'a situation of disability recognized by the company'.

This last part may be problematic, as many women suffering from endometriosis are not recognized as disabled workers, do not have a disability card or a disability certificate issued by their health insurance company, but it does not diminish their suffering. In addition, three days of medical leave will be offered in case of a miscarriage, as well as 'one day after the implantation of an embryo in the context of assisted reproductive technology (ART).'

Read more:Millions of people suffer from menstrual insecurity and it has serious consequences

A new system in French companies

The CEO of Carrefour, Alexandre Bompard, says he wants to 'deconstruct stereotypes'.

We are going to launch a major mobilization campaign, because managers do not always know what women can endure.

This seems like a win-win agreement, which could inspire many other French companies to take more interest in female employees and their well-being.

Recently, the city hall in Saint-Ouen, near Paris, has been congratulated for the experimentation of a menstrual leave for its agents suffering from painful menstruation or endometriosis.

This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.

Read more:From paid menstrual leave to transgender rights, here's how Spain is pioneering change

Sources used:

Le Parisien: Endométriose, fausse couche, PMA… Carrefour va financer des jours d’absence pour les salariées concernées