While Spain is praised for the introduction of “menstrual leave” in the event of painful periods, an African country has been a pioneer. Since 2015, Zambia has offered one day off per month to female workers.
This February 16, 2023 is a "historic day for feminist advances", in the words of the Spanish Minister for Equality, Irene Montero. Since yesterday, and the vote of the Spanish deputies, the law grants women “menstrual leave” in the event of painful periods. A great first in Europe. But long before the Spanish kingdom, several countries had already introduced a similar law, in Asia, but also in Africa. Indeed, since 2015, women have benefited from one day off per month in Zambia. And unlike Spain or Asian countries, there is no need to take many medical steps: no medical certificate or notice is required for women who wish to take a day off each month.
This day, modestly baptized "Mother's Day", nevertheless animated the debates at the time of its establishment. NGOs had carried out a major lobbying operation aimed at elected officials. "Some women have severe blood loss, intense pain, others vomit," said the NGO Coordinating Council of Zambia. This has implications for their work.” The parliamentarians then granted a day off for employees in the public and private sectors. While “menstrual leave” was already in force in Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan, Zambia was a pioneer in Africa. And it is still the only country to have adopted such a law.
More and more respected by companies
But after the implementation of the law, several abuses were noted. “When women need to do something, they take their menstrual leave instead of taking a vacation day,” explained Laura Miti, director of the NGO Alliance for Community Action, in 2017. Opponents of "Mother's Day" then deplored a drop in productivity, without this having been proven, then nuanced Cecilia Mulindeti-Kamanga, senior official at the Zambian Ministry of Labor. Despite the abuses, this law was in any case a great step forward in the fight for women's rights.
And to force employers to release their employees one day a month, Zambia has put in place a veritable legal arsenal. Fines have been provided for employers refusing to grant “Mother's Day” to their employees. A penalty of up to 6 months' imprisonment is even provided for. While many companies have been reluctant to offer women an extra monthly day off, or some have imposed notice, the law is starting to be more and more respected in Lusaka.