Department of Labor panned for posting advice for how ‘menstruators’ can ‘thrive at work’
- For Menstrual Hygiene Day, the agency posted a message that has been filtered
- X users have picked up the use of menstrual devices, unlike women
- The post was shared to ‘help menstruators thrive at work’
The Department of Labor has been criticized after posting advice on how ‘menstruators’ can ‘thrive at work’.
The government agency has been posting on their social media pages to promote Menstrual Hygiene Day.
As part of the message, the department referenced a blog post from them on “5 Simple Actions Employers Can Take to Help Menstruals Thrive at Work.”
The blog post adds that the Women’s Bureau is “breaking the stereotypes and stigmas that have made menstruation a taboo subject.”
Social media users were quick to trash the post for using the word “menstruation” instead of “women.”
The government agency had posted on their social media pages to promote Menstrual Hygiene Day
As part of the message, the department referenced a blog post from them on ‘5 simple actions employers can take to help menstruators thrive at work’
The DOL lists five ways employers can help make the workplace more “period friendly” in their blog post.
This included heritage products in bathrooms, allowing flexibility in uniforms and working hours, as well as guaranteed access to paid sick leave.
It added: ‘Menstruation doesn’t have to be taboo. Employees who feel supported can continue to thrive in the workplace while on their period.
“By providing basic protections and accommodations, employers can signal their commitment to ensuring that all employees maintain the dignity they deserve.”
Since being shared on Wednesday afternoon, the post has been widely panned for its language.
One person commented: ‘Women, biological women. No menstruation. Even the spell checker doesn’t recognize the word.’
Another said: ‘Why does this post seem like there is confusion about who has periods? The answer is women. Women menstruate.’
While another commented: ‘You mean women. Only women can menstruate.’
One woman hit back: ‘It’s hard to feel human when we’re reduced to ‘menstruators’.
Since being shared on Wednesday afternoon, the post has been widely panned for its language
Last year, the CEO of tampon brand August was criticized online for also using the word “menstruators” instead of women in an interview.
Nadya Okamoto said she wanted her brand to be “period positive”; and “proudly gender inclusive” amid what she described as “an era of transphobia.”
She had spoken during a CBS Mornings interview with Gayle King, with her interview causing an angry reaction online.
“I’m not a menstruator,” one woman fumed, adding: “Menstrual blood is dirty and messy.
‘Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s not true. I don’t talk about my poop either.’
‘Let me help her: they are WOMEN. Say it extra slow so she can understand,” another woman thundered.