Following the opposition from Indian Union Minister Smriti Irani against paid menstrual leave, the discourse on this topic has gained widespread attention. Let's explore the list of countries that offer menstrual leaves:
Zambia has provided female employees with one day of menstrual leave per month since 2015. The leave can be taken without notice or submission of any note by the doctor.
Taiwan passed legislation in 2013 allowing female workers three days of paid menstrual leave per year. The leaves are on top of 30 days of regular sick leaves. 50 per cent of the salary is paid on menstrual leave, just as on sick leaves.
South Korea introduced menstrual leave in 2001, granting female employees one day of unpaid leave per month. Those who deny taking these leaves can face fines of a maximum of 5 million won ($3,844).
The Philippines passed the Menstrual Leave Law in 2019, granting female employees two days of paid menstrual leave per month.
Spain, the first in Europe to enact such legislation, offers paid leave for period pain. The law, without a specified timeframe for leaves, mandates a doctor's note and aims to end the practice of women concealing menstrual pain at work.
Since 2003, Indonesia has granted women the right to two days of paid menstrual leave monthly. Employers often exercise discretion, providing only one day or none at all, leading to inconsistency in enforcing this legal decision.
Japan, with a menstrual leave law dating back to 1947, allows women to request leave for as long as needed. While paying salary is not compulsory during this period, approximately 30 per cent of companies, as per a 2020 survey, offer full or partial pay.
In Vietnam, female employees are entitled to a monthly menstrual leave of three days, accompanied by a 30-minute break each day during their menstrual cycle. Women who choose not to take menstrual leave receive extra compensation.