Women in Spain are soon going to be given the option of taking 3 days leave every month when on their period.
This move by the Spanish government follows in the footsteps of countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, which already offer menstrual leave to their female employees.
This new workplace law is set to be passed on Tuesday (May 17), during the next Cabinet meeting, as per Cadena SER radio station.
The new move was announced back in March by Ángela Rodríguez, who is Spain’s Secretary of State for equality. Her aim is to ensure all women are given proper menstrual health resources.
She told El Periodico: “The rights related to menstrual health have never been discussed and the data is chilling.
“One in four women cannot choose the feminine hygiene products she wants to buy for financial reasons. That is why we propose that they can be dispensed free of charge in educational and social centres.
“It is important to clarify what a painful period is, we are not talking about a slight discomfort, but about serious symptoms such as diarrhea, severe headaches, fever.”
Ángela Rodríguez added: “Symptoms that when there is a disease that entails them, a temporary disability is granted, therefore the same should happen with menstruation and that there is the possibility that if a woman has a very painful period, she can stay home.”
This comes as well as an announcement that all sanitary products will now be tax-free, and women in “marginalized social circumstances” will be able to receive free menstrual pads and tampons.
The new initiative has been met with praise online by women all over the world, with many taking to social media to express their hopes more western countries take the move on board.
One Facebook user wrote: “I’d need this leave. Not all women experience the same amount of menstrual cramps as others some women experience mild cramping while others experience horrific pain and some in between. It’s there if it’s needed and I think it should be taken on board worldwide.
However, another argued: “How do they think Women have survived this far?
May not be the most comfortable few Days of the Month, but for goodness sakes doesn’t stop you from working! This is a backward step for Women!”
What do you think?