Commission for Gender Equality warns against mandatory Covid-19 jabs

While the Covid-19 vaccine is not yet mandatory in South Africa, companies are allowed to implement a mandatory vaccination policy.

But the commission says a new study published in a medical journal details the possible side-effects of the vaccine on the menstrual cycle.

Spokesperson Javu Baloyi says the study has found that vaccines may cause a small change to the menstrual cycle length, although the change is temporary.

“While health experts believe this finding is not clinically significant, the commission would like to caution businesses and various institutions against forcing employees to vaccinate and imposing harsh sanctions on them if they do not.

“The commission is aware that several companies in the corporate and retail sectors have introduced mandatory vaccinations in their workplaces, and many more may follow suit.”

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Baloyi says the commission is concerned that employees who refuse the jab may face the axe.

“The country’s retail sector employs a high number of young females as cashiers and cleaners, and many of them are not in a position to negotiate with their employers if they do not wish to vaccinate.

“Maintaining public health, reaching herd immunity, and preventing mutating Covid-19 variants are noble acts but should not be achieved by trampling the basic human rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.

“When scientists establish a connection between Covid-19 vaccinations and women’s reproductive health, such as menstrual cycles, many women may not be comfortable taking vaccines, due to possible long-term effects. These women’s wish to delay vaccinating should be respected in the context of our country’s human rights commission.”

The commission has also urged institutions of higher learning to afford the same respect to students who choose not to inoculate.