First European country approves menstrual leave, will SA follow suit?
This country is taking the period pain out of Spain...
This just in, females in Spain now have the right to three days of menstrual leave a month along with the option of extending it to five days — if they experience painful periods.
This mega move is making waves all around the world as we begin to mitigate the shame and taboo surrounding periods.
It all began on Thursday when Spain became the first European country to entitle workers to paid menstrual leave as it passed numerous sexual and reproductive rights laws, including ones expanding abortion and transgender rights.
Read More: Spain backs law creating Europe's first 'menstrual leave'
According to ECR NewsWatch, the law was passed by 185 votes in favour to 154 against.
"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
YA SON LEY. DIRECTAS AL BOE 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈💚#ConquistasFeministas pic.twitter.com/kph3phObPl
— Irene Montero (@IreneMontero) February 16, 2023
In order to take advantage of this 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 yet.
Menstrual leave is currently offered only in a small number of countries across the globe, among them Japan, Indonesia, and Zambia.
It was the implementation of menstrual leave in individual companies that sparked this movement worldwide.
When Mzansi caught wind of this endeavour, they couldn't help but wonder when some of our own issues surrounding female hygiene will hit the courts.
Stay tuned for more on this developing story. We will bring you the latest at East Coast Radio.
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