The Spanish government has made history by passing a law that provides paid medical leave for women who suffer from severe menstrual pain, making it the first European country to do so. The new law grants women the right to take up to four days of leave per month and aims to support women in the workforce who struggle with menstrual pain.
The Government of Spain recently passed a Menstrual Paid Leave Law. According to the law, women in the country can take paid leave during their periods. Usually, employees in the country need to submit a medical certificate to take three days long leave. This condition is being relaxed. With this, Spain has become the first country in Europe to pass the law. The law exists in very few countries in the world such as Zambia, Indonesia, and Japan. In India, very few states like Kerala have passed the law. Supreme Court of India is to hear a case related to menstrual leave on February 24.
This law puts Spain in the company of countries like Japan, Indonesia, and Zambia, which already offer menstrual leave to women. The move has been hailed as a significant step forward for feminist rights, and Equality Minister Irene Montero described it as a “historic day” in the country’s progress towards gender equality.
The law, which passed by 185 votes in favour to 154 against, is aimed at breaking a taboo on the subject, the government has said. “It is a historic day for feminist progress,” Equality Minister Irene Montero tweeted ahead of the vote. The legislation entitles workers experiencing period pain to as much time off as they need, with the state social security system — not employers — picking up the tab for the sick leave. As with paid leave for other health reasons, a doctor must approve the temporary medical incapacity. The length of sick leave that doctors will be able to grant to women suffering from painful periods has not been specified in the law.
Menstrual pain is a significant issue that affects many women, with severe pain sometimes leading to absenteeism from work or school. By granting menstrual leave, the Spanish government is acknowledging the reality of this issue and taking concrete steps to support women in the workplace. It is hoped that this law will encourage other countries to follow suit and introduce similar measures.
Other countries providing menstrual leave are Indonesia passed a law in 2003 that gives women the right to two days of paid menstrual leave per month without prior notice. In Japan, a 1947 law states that companies must agree to provide women with menstrual leave if they request for it. In South Korea, women are entitled to one day of unpaid menstrual leave per month. Employers who refuse face fines. In Taiwan, the Gender Equality in Employment Act entitles women to three days of menstrual leave per year. Zambia passed a law in 2015 allowing women to take a day off without notice during menstruation.
The passing of this law is a significant achievement for Spain, but there is still much work to be done to promote gender equality and support women’s rights. The government’s decision to grant menstrual leave is a positive step towards achieving these goals, and it is hoped that it will contribute to a brighter, more equal future for women in Spain and around the world.
