Spain set to become the first European country in the world to grant “Leave” to Women with severe Menstrual Pain.
According to reports, a new law is being put in place for women who suffer from severe menstrual pain , the law allows them take up to three days off work each month under a reform plan due for approval by Spanish government next week.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Studies estimated that 60% to 90% of young women around the world suffer from dysmenorrhea – severe period pain – and in Spain, close to 75% of women are affected.
Ángela Rodríguez,the Secretary of State for Equality and against Gender Violence, told El Periodico the new laws would benefit those suffering from particularly painful periods.
she clarified what a painful period is,
“we are not talking about a slight discomfort, but about period pains with serious symptoms such as diarrhoea, severe headaches, fever,”
The new laws, also include other measures to improve menstrual health, including a requirement for schools to provide sanitary products for teenage girls who need them and also the provision of Pads and tampons free of charge for marginalised women with VAT removed from their sale in supermarkets.
Ms Rodríguez further added that .”One in four women cannot choose the feminine hygiene products she wants to buy due to financial constraints. Hence the reason why It was propose that all hygiene products be dispensed free of charge in educational and social centers.”
The new laws was first revealed by the Cadena Ser radio station. Other countries in Asia – such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan – also offer similar off-work leave.