Italy may soon pass a bill for paid menstrual leave

Bloody big news.

You wouldn’t usually find us writing about international politics but this news has got us pretty intrigued.

Women living in Italy who experience painful periods could soon be offered paid menstrual leave for three days per month.

Currently under consideration by the labour commission, the bill was presented by four female parliament members last year. Should it pass, it will be the first of its kind in the Western world.

Similar policies in several Japanese and Indonesian companies already exist and experts believe a law like this could provide emotional benefits for those who suffer severe menstrual symptoms.

Under the law, women would need to provide a doctor’s diagnosis of dysmenorrhea. And while it seems like a pretty great idea, there are concerns the law could actually make companies less likely to hire women.

Illustration by Twylamae.