Spain will implement a three day sick leave for severe period pain, which impacts the majority of people who experience menstruation
In Spain, women who suffer from severe period pain will be legally allowed to take a three day sick leave.
The sick leave will be given to those who have severe symptoms, according to policy-makers in the country. Scientific studies reveal that most people who menstruate experience the severity of symptoms required to qualify for time-off work.
According to one study, 84.1% of women report substantial menstrual pain, which can prevent them from going through their day-to-day activities.
Legislation will also expand reproductive health measures
The bill also contains measures to support reproductive and menstrual health in other ways. For instance, pads and tampons will also be provided for free to vulnerable women. In general, menstrual items will have VAT removed from them, as they will be treated as general medical products as opposed to an optional purchase.
Laws on abortion will also be impacted by the change, with girls aged 16 and 17 allowed to have an abortion without their parents’ permission.
Menstrual leave already exists across some parts of Asia
In Japan, women and people who menstruate have been allowed to take leave for period pain since 1947. Japanese labour unions in the 1920s actually campaigned for seiri kyuka. Meanwhile in South Korea, female employees are entitled to take additional pay if they don’t take the menstrual leave they are allotted.
Globally, the pandemic also changed menstrual experiences. For children in some countries, stress led to puberty hitting as early as eight years old.
Secretary of State for Equality says symptoms must be severe
The Secretary of State for Equality and against Gender Violence, Ángela Rodríguez speaking to El Periodico, said: “It is important to clarify what a painful period is, we are not talking about a slight discomfort, but about serious symptoms such as diarrhoea, severe headaches, fever.
“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 centers.”
