Chinese University Under Fire for Menstruation Sick Leave Policy

A university student in Beijing, China, has accused a staff member of asking her to remove her trousers to prove she was menstruating in order to be granted sick leave. The incident, which has gone viral, has drawn sharp criticism on social media and even prompted comment from state-run media. The Gengdan Institute, the university in question, has since stated that its staff followed established protocol. However, neither the student nor the university has yet responded to BBC News' request for comment. The incident highlights concerns about the treatment of women in China and the handling of sensitive issues within educational institutions. One social media comment read, "Menstruation is already an intimate topic for women. Rules like this will make students feel very uncomfortable, and even negatively impact students' psychological wellbeing." This incident underscores the ongoing need for greater sensitivity and understanding surrounding menstruation and women's health in China.