Gender Equality Bill: Spain passed “Menstrual Leave” into Law

Spain becomes first European country to allow women go on menstrual leave to take menstrual leave, female workers in Spain require a doctor’s note.

Spain’s sexual and reproductive health law, which includes the right for women to take leave off work when they have their period, took effect yesterday, Thursday 1st of June 2023.

The Gender Equality Ministry’s bill, put forward by the left-wing government, was approved by parliament in February.

Since then, amendments were passed as part of the new law.

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Barriers have been removed, which makes access to abortions and changing the gender of trans people easier.

After the parliamentary vote in February, Equality Minister Irene Montero spoke of a “historic day for the advancement of feminist rights.”

Menstrual leave is not a common regulation. There is no comparable provision in German law. Although in Taiwan, women can only stay at home for three days a year, and they then only get 50 per cent of their salary.

In South Korea, employers have to give their female employees one day off a month if they request, but the law does not regulate who pays the employee’s salary.

Female workers in Spain require a doctor’s note to take menstrual leave.

However, the period of the leave from work is, in principle, unlimited.

According to the law, it depends on how severe the menstrual pain is and how long it lasts.