Montenegro Introduces Menstrual Leave; Slovenia's Political Will Questioned

Montenegro recently granted women menstrual leave, a policy that allows employed individuals experiencing specific gynecological issues or severe menstrual pain up to two days of paid absence per month. This new regulation, approved by Montenegrin lawmakers, is not a universal additional holiday for all working women.

Instead, the right to this leave is linked to a woman's health status and the difficulties caused by certain gynecological diseases. It specifically applies to women diagnosed with secondary dysmenorrhea, which involves menstrual pain connected to diagnosed gynecological conditions. For some women, the pain and associated symptoms during menstruation are so severe that they impede their ability to work, often leading them to seek help in emergency gynecological clinics despite using strong painkillers.

The implementation in Montenegro raises questions about similar policies in other countries. The article specifically ponders whether Slovenia possesses the political will to establish regulations mirroring those adopted in Spain and Montenegro, addressing the needs of women experiencing debilitating menstrual pain.