good news
For difficult life situations: This company introduces special leave
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Good News: Company introduces special leave for loss of pregnancy, menopause and gender reassignment +++ Abortion law extended, “menstrual leave”, free choice of gender +++ A Grammy for a German singer from North Rhine-Westphalia
The best news in the BRIGITTE Good News Ticker for February 2023
The news often shows the horrors of this world – currently, for example, the corona pandemic, the Ukraine war and inflation. But there are not only the dark sides, our world has so much beauty in store for us. We want to celebrate the little everyday things and give you something positive to take with you. It’s time for good news – if not now, then when?
February 23, 2023
Right to withdraw in cases of pregnancy loss, menopause and gender reassignment: company introduces special leave
The Hamburg-based cereal manufacturer KELLOGG is the first company in Germany to introduce a policy designed to protect and support employees in difficult phases of life.
For example, couples in Germany who lose a child before the sixth month of pregnancy are not entitled to rest days. As of today, the company is providing those affected with an additional 14 days of paid convalescence leave, as well as flexibility and support in coping with traumatic or life-changing circumstances. There are also regulations for those affected by menopausal symptoms, women who are undergoing fertility treatment and employees who are undergoing gender reassignment, as these situations represent a physical and mental state of emergency.
“In life-changing situations, our employees can now take a break for mental and physical recovery – regardless of how long they have been with the company,” says Daniela Cocirta, Human Resources Lead at KELLOGG DACH. “We officially anchor these taboo topics in our policy and want to be a role model for a fair and diverse labor policy.”
In order to create an open culture and sensitivity, executives would be trained to increase their awareness, understanding and sensitivity to these complex situations, the company’s press release said.
February 17, 2023
Days off during menstruation, reform of the abortion law and free choice of sex
Spain has now passed several controversial laws. Parliament voted for days off for menstrual cramps, extended abortion rights and free sex choice from the age of 16. The law on “menstrual leave” is so far unique. It was adopted with 185 votes in favour, 154 against and three abstentions. According to the left-leaning Spanish government, this law aims to break a taboo.
“This is a historic day for feminist advances,” Equality Minister Irene Montero of the left-wing Podemos party wrote on Twitter. The new abortion law guarantees abortions in public health centers. The age of having an abortion without parental consent has been lowered to 16. In addition, the previously three-day “reflection period” has been abolished. In addition, the “morning after pill” is to be given out free of charge.
The new law on gender self-determination allows children and young people over the age of twelve to officially change their gender identity. At the age of 16, adolescents will be able to decide this independently in the future. Youth over the age of 14 require parental consent, while those under 14 require additional approval from a judge. There is no need for medical proof of a gender change in identity papers. Only a simple official declaration is required.
February 06, 2023
German singer gets a Grammy
“Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot at the body shop, doing something unholy”, most people can probably sing along to this song line. The song about dad having fun in a strip club was nominated for the Best Pop Duo category. British singer Sam Smith and German singer Kim Petras’ “Unholy” has won a Grammy. In the fall of 2022, the song peaked at number one in the US and UK.
The 30-year-old singer grew up in the small town of Uckerath in North Rhine-Westphalia. Kim Petras became the youngest trans person in the world to have sex reassignment surgery. When she received the coveted award, she thanked her mother: “I grew up on a freeway in the middle of nowhere in Germany. And my mother believed me that I was a girl. I wouldn’t be here without her.”
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Source used: tagesschau.de, press release KELLOGG