Do you really know? What is menstrual leave?
Dec 9, 2025
Explore the progressive move in Spain towards paid menstrual leave for women suffering from period pain. Discover why this initiative is crucial as it addresses work disruptions caused by menstruation. Learn about global examples of menstrual leave from countries like Taiwan and Indonesia, while uncovering the surprising low uptake in South Korea and Japan. Delve into the controversies surrounding this policy, including fears of discrimination and the need for safeguards. This topic sheds light on an important conversation around women's health and workplace rights.
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Spain Proposes State-Paid Menstrual Leave
- Spain's lower house approved a bill for 3–5 days of state-paid menstrual leave per month for women with period pain.
- The measure is the first in Europe but similar policies have existed in other regions for decades.
Periods Often Disrupt Work
- Many menstruating people experience symptoms beyond bleeding, including PMS and painful periods that disrupt work.
- A 2021 survey found 73% of women had struggled to work as they wanted because of their period.
Sick Pay Gap Leaves Periods Unpaid
- Under current UK rules, sick pay only starts from the fourth day of absence, leaving short period-related absences unpaid.
- That gap can cause significant loss of earnings unless employers offer enhanced sick pay or menstrual leave.