By Janine Dumaguin
Out of 195 countries with billions of women in the workforce around the world, only six countries have “menstrual leave” law—It makes this policy in most of the countries almost non-existent for women.
Most of the countries don’t consider this law and don’t place a special workplace protection as they are not giving so much attention to women’s physiological needs such as during women’s menstruation.
Here’s a look how it works in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Zambia, and Spain:
- Japan
In Japan, the menstrual leave law dates back as far as 1947. It was the end of World War II when the country incorporated these privileges for women into their new labor laws.
Under the Article 68 of the Labour Standards Law, women who requested leave due to menstrual periods should work for as long as they need it.
However, the law also states that companies are not required to pay the workers who chose to leave rather than work.
- South Korea
South Korea, since 1953, has granted female employees menstrual leave, which is under the Article 71 of the Labour Standards Law.
The law also noted that they are ensured to have additional pay if they do not take the privilege that they are entitled to.
Meanwhile, employers who violate these women’s rights may face fines up to five million won.
- Indonesia
In 2013, Indonesia passed a law allowing women employees to have two days of menstrual leave per month.
However, many employers only allow a day of leave per month while others are unaware or choose to disregard this law, thus giving no menstrual leave at all.
- Taiwan
The Act of Gender Equality in Employment in Taiwan gives women three days of leave every year.
Women in this country already have 30 days of “common sick leave,” making 33 days “health-related leave” every year.
- Zambia
Zambia is the only country in Africa that made the law possible in these continents.
As of 2015, women in this country are legally entitled to a day-off each month due to their menstrual leave policy also referred to as “Mother’s Day”.
- Spain
Spain is the latest and the first country in Europe that passed the law and grants women paid menstrual leave.
Under the law, women employees are given the right to a three-day menstrual leave of absence with the possibility of extending to five days, yet requires a doctor’s note. – gb
