Spain has become the first country in Europe to introduce paid menstrual leave for women who experience severe period pain. The law, passed by Parliament in February 2023, gives women the right to three days of medically supervised leave, with the possibility of extending it to five days.
This groundbreaking policy is designed to help women who suffer from disabling menstrual symptoms. These symptoms can include severe cramps, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting that some women experience every cycle. The law recognizes that for many women, period pain can be so intense that working becomes impossible.
To qualify for this leave, women need to obtain a doctor’s note confirming their condition. The public social security system will pay employees 75% of their monthly salary while they are on leave, making it genuinely accessible to workers who need it.
According to the Spanish Gynaecology and Obstetrics Society, around one-third of women who menstruate suffer from severe pain known as dysmenorrhea. This can include acute abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, and fever, making it difficult to function normally at work.
The law has sparked important conversations about women’s health in the workplace. Some experts worry that it could lead to discrimination against women in hiring. However, supporters argue that recognizing the reality of menstrual pain is a necessary step toward gender equality at work.
Spain joins a small group of countries worldwide that offer menstrual leave, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Zambia. However, one year after implementation, menstrual leave had only been taken 1,559 times from June 2023 through April 2024, suggesting many women may still hesitate to use this benefit.
