India debates menstrual leave: 9 nations that give time off during periods
Union Minister Smriti Irani's comments have ignited a divisive debate on paid menstrual leave. We look at those nations actively providing such leave
Female workers experiencing painful menstruation symptoms are entitled to up to four days of paid leave annually in Spain. The country passed the law in March 2021.
Spain
Indonesia, in 2003, passed a law granting women the right to two days of paid menstruation leave every month, without giving prior notice. But the provision is in practice discretionary.
Indonesia
A Japanese law from 1947 allows women to take menstrual leave upon request. While it doesn't mandate payment, approximately 30 per cent of Japanese companies provide full or partial pay during this leave.
Japan
In South Korea, women are entitled to one day of unpaid menstrual leave per month.
South Korea
In Taiwan, the Act on Gender Equality in Employment provides women with three days of menstrual leave every year.
Taiwan
Zambia, a South African country, created a law in 2015 that allows women to take a day off work during their period without providing notice or a doctor's note.
Zambia
In Vietnam, menstrual leave is available to women for three days every month. Employers must pay them more if they decide not to take the days off.
Vietnam
In India, some organisations, such as Byju's, give 12-day annual leave, while Swiggy offers two-day paid monthly leave, among others to females.