The issue of Menstrual Leave: countries enforcing the policy

The issue of menstrual leave policy has dominated public debate in recent times. In this publication, we explore countries that have implemented the policy so far.

In 2017, Zambia became the first African nation to offer a day’s menstrual leave each month for all female workers, without the need for a medical certificate or explanation to the employer.

In February 2023, Spain also became the first European country to provide three (3) to five (5) days of menstrual leave. The new law enables women who experience disabling periods to apply for 3 to 5 days leave with a supporting note from a doctor. Countries such as Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam have also adopted a menstrual leave policy, but they vary from each other.

While Japanese women who experience menstrual pain cannot be asked to turn up to work, in South Korea all women employees get an extra day off a month. In Vietnam, women are allowed a 30-minute break each day during their periods whereas in Taiwan, women can request a day off every month during periods at half-wage.

In the case of Indonesia however, there is no compulsion on women to work on the first two days of their periods, while Filipino women are allowed two days of menstrual leave each month.

This notwithstanding, there is a school of thought that menstrual leave policies, though well-intentioned, could have negative consequences for gender equity and need to be deployed with caution. The debate on the policy has therefore raised important issues related to how workplaces can be more inclusive.