Would you like a few days off from work during your cycle? These countries offer 'menstrual leave'

Women in Spain are now entitled to three days off a month during their menstrual cycle, with the option of extending it to five days if they experience painful periods.

On Thursday, Spain became the first European country to give workers the right to paid menstrual leave after passing numerous laws on sexual and reproductive rights, including those expanding abortion and transgender rights.

Without such rights, women are not full citizens, Irene Montero, the country's equality minister, said in parliament. The government will pay for menstrual leave.

Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, is common; more than half of menstruating women experience pain for one or two days each month. For some, the pain is so severe that they are unable to perform normal activities for several days, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Here are some countries and regions that offer menstrual leave:

Japan

Japan introduced menstrual leave into the labor law in 1947. According to Article 68, the law mandates that employers cannot ask women who experience heavy periods to work on those days.

Indonesia

Indonesia is another Asian country that became an early adopter of the menstrual leave policy. The policy, which was introduced in 1948 and restructured in 2003, states that female employees experiencing menstrual cramps are not required to work the first two days of their cycle.

South Korea

In South Korea, Article 73 of the labor law provides for monthly "physiological leave" under which all female workers can take one day off each month.

Taiwan

Article 14 of Taiwan's gender equality in employment law gives female employees the right to request one day off each month.

Vietnam

Vietnam is another Asian country that takes menstrual days into account for female workers. Its labor law stipulates a 30-minute break for women every day of the menstrual cycle. In a 2020 reform, menstrual leave of three days per month was added. Female workers who choose not to take such leave must be paid extra.

Zambia

In Africa, Zambia introduced the concept of Mother's Day, in which a female worker is entitled to one day off each month without giving a reason or requiring a medical certificate.