It is difficult to work when you are in constant pain. A woman has to go through every month for 3-5 days and these days affect the women’s physical and mental health. A number of sexual and reproductive laws passed by Spain recently including abortion, transgender right and also include menstruation leave become the first European nation to give paid menstrual leave passed. 

In this law, women have the choice to take monthly three to five paid menstruation days’ leave when they feel pain and discomfort during their periods.

Nation Equality Minister Irene Montero said in the legislature without these rights women are not full citizens. In his opinion, these laws have great significance in the life of women’s health. They will be able to take paid leave during their menstruation days. These leaves are funded by the government. 

“This legislature is a legislature of feminist conquests,” said Irene Montero

In the parliament, out of 184 votes 154 were in favour and passed the motion. The majority were in favour and passed the bill. The labour organisation in Spain named UGT (Unión General De Trabajadores) criticised the law while stating that this law could denounce women in the workplace.

“In the long term, it may be one more handicap that women have in finding a job,” said Cristina Antoñanzas, deputy secretary of the UGT, while stating that this would discourage employers from hiring women. 

One-third of the women suffer extreme pain during the period estimated by the Spanish Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology. With this law, other laws also passed such as access to a public hospital for abortion for anyone age 16 or above and changing gender on their ID cards.

In 1985, in Spain abortion was decriminalised and in 2010 legalised. 

The bill also includes sex education and free contraceptive distribution and menstrual cycle hygiene products in High Schools.

According to rank, Sanchez’s government has more women than men, especially after 2004, the law on gender violence adopted in Spain country focused more on women considered law.

Japan, Indonesia and Zambia, among other nations have given menstrual leaves and Japan was the first nation to provide menstrual leave after the second world war.