On February 16, the Spanish Parliament approved a new bill that will grant paid menstrual leave to workers on their period.
History in the Making
This legislation made Spain the FIRST country in Europe to approve of menstrual leave for those dealing with “incapacitating menstruation.”
What Does This Mean for Menstruators in Spain?
Menstruators in Spain now have three days of paid menstrual leave per month—with the option to extend it to five days—if they have painful periods.
With such legislation, Spain will join the list of other countries and regions that currently offer menstrual leave, including Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Zambia.
The bill is part of a larger law, which includes increased access to abortions in public hospitals and the mandate of free period products in prisons and schools.
The same day, another law was approved by the Spanish Congress that strengthens the protection of LGBTQ+ rights for teens.
Spanish Equality Minister Irene Montero celebrated the approval of these two bills, posting on Twitter that it is a “historic day for advancing feminist rights.”
