This Amazing Company Gives Women Time Off When They Have Their Periods

We've all had those days when we fall over from cramps, desperately holding our stomachs and popping Midol, but still have to make it to the office and get stuff done.

Now, finally, one company recognized this as an issue for women. British company Coexist gives women time off during their periods, and the time isn't counted as sick days.

Bex Baxter, director of Coexist, told The Guardian,

If someone is in pain – no matter what kind – they are encouraged to go home. But, for us, we wanted a policy in place which [recognizes] and allows women to take time for their body's natural cycle without putting this under the label of illness.

This is a major, awesome move by a company to see menstrual pain as legitimate. Women's pain is historically dismissed and discounted under the outdated misconception women are weak. That's insane for a few reasons.

First, women, sometimes, don't get the medical care they need because doctors don't believe the severity of their pain.

Second, there is no definitive proof men or women have higher pain thresholds.

Third, doctors recognized period pain can be about as bad as having a heart attack, according to Quartz.

But, period pain is frequently dismissed and sorely under-researched. That's why moves like this from private companies are especially cool. Good on you, Coexist.

Citations: British Company Will Allow Women To Take Days Off During Period (TIME), UK company to introduce 'period policy' for female staff (The Guardian), How Doctors Take Women's Pain Less Seriously (The Atlantic), Period pain can be “almost as bad as a heart attack.” Why aren't we researching how to treat it? (Quartz)