Un wind of change blows from Portugalbringing with him a news that could rewrite the rules of female well -being in the workplace and school. Here, paid menstrual leave is no longer an idea, but A reality sanctioned by law. The country has not skimped: the new legislation, in fact, explicitly recognizes pathologies such as endometriosis and adenomyosis what chronic conditions that deserve protection. A bold step that focuses the spotlight on a global debate that also involves Italy, where this official recognition has not yet happened.
Menstrual leave in Portugal: yes to 3 days of absence per month
Portugal did not skimp on female health support. The measure translates into A right to three days of completely paid monthly absenceboth for workers and students, without any economic or academic repercussion.
Simplicity is the key: a clinical diagnosis that attests to the condition is enough, and not a repeated medical certification every month. It is a clear message: Serious menstrual pain is not a whim to hidebut a condition to face with dignity and support.
Women’s health is of public interest
This law goes far beyond mere leave. Proclaims menstrual health as a matter of public interest. This means that The national health system is now called to guarantee access to diagnosis, therapies and specialist consultationswith the obligation to develop specific clinical guidelines.
An integrated system that also includes reimbursement for prescribed drugs and, for those who have their indication, the possibility of cryrignated the oocytes. It is a model that addresses the question in a wider and complete way, dismantling stereotypes and providing concrete tools.
The idea of menstrual leave is not new: in Asia, countries like Japan and Indonesia have similar laws in force for decades (Getty)
From Spain, a lesson with lights and shadows
Before Portugal, Spain had already done as a forerunner in Europe in 2023introducing a paid permit for those suffering from disabling pains. Three days of stop, with the need for a medical certificate. A step forward, undeniable. But Spanish experience also teaches us that A law alone is not enough to change the mentality.
The use of this leave has so far been limited, in part because the norm focuses on specific pathologies, excluding many women with severe pain but without a formal diagnosis, and in part for an even more insidious obstacle: the fear of undergoing professional discrimination. It is clear that the battle is not only legislative, but deeply cultural.
When menstrual leave is no longer new
Interestingly, how the idea of a menstruation leave is not new at all. While we in Europe discuss it with difficulty, countries like the Japan (since 1947), theIndonesiathe South Korea And Taiwan They have been in force for decades, having understood a long time ago that the well -being of women is intrinsically linked to productivity and social justice. Their experiences, on the other hand, only demonstrate that change requires a synergy between political and cultural institutions.
Italy at the crossroads: between resistance …
In Italymenstrual leave remains, unfortunately, a desire still far from realizing at national level. Although numerous bills have attempted to fill this regulatory vacuum, none has so far managed to overcome the parliamentary process. Recent studies and research highlights how A significant percentage of women experience intense pain during the cyclewith a remarkable impact on working or study days lost every year.
And small local revolutions
In the absence of a national law, It is the local initiatives that act as a forerunner. The case of a high school in Potenza is emblematic which, starting from the next school year, will introduce two days of absence justified for students with severe menstrual pain. An important signal, a small revolution that shows how change is possible also from below. However, it is clear that for a real equity and protection, a law is necessary that embraces the entire country. The debate is open.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION