Women in Spain to take 3-day paid menstrual leave each month

Women in Spain will now be taking a three-day paid menstrual leave a month after the passage of numerous sexual and reproductive rights laws.

The law passed last Thursday also gives women the leeway to extend the leave to five days if they experience painful periods.

Spain is now the first European country to entitle female workers to paid menstrual leave.

Among the laws passed include ones expanding abortion and transgender rights.

Period pain

Period pain is common and a normal part of a woman's menstrual cycle. It is usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can spread to the back and thighs.

The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it may be dull but more constant. It may also vary with each period. Some periods may cause little or no discomfort, while others may be more painful, according to National Health Service.

Countries that off menstrual leave include Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Zambia.

Senator Orwoba 'drama'

Last week, nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba elicited a public debate when she entered Parliament precincts with a white trouser with a red stain. The senator later told TV47 Digital that the stain was actual menstrual blood stain.

"It is actually blood, I am cramping as we speak. The Senate social media admin put blood in quotes because they were not sure," she said, adding that she wanted to demonstrate the ordeal girls and women who can't afford sanitary pads go through when experiencing their menstrual cycle. 

The senator, on that day, introduced a motion in Senate that seeks to compel the government to provide free sanitary towels in a bid to end period poverty.