Spain is likely to become the first western country to offer days off for women who have a painful menstrual cycle. Namely, women who are employed will be able to take a maximum of three days off per month if they have pain, writes "Euronews", citing the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

The Spanish government is expected to approve the new measure next week. The measure already exists in other countries around the world, including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Zambia.

As part of the reforms announced in Spain, schools will have to provide insoles for female students. The tax on pads and tampons, which will be distributed free of charge to women from marginalized groups, will also be removed.

About a third of women who menstruate suffer from severe pain, ie dysmenorrhea, according to gynecological data taken from the Spanish health. Symptoms include pain, diarrhea, headaches, and changes in body temperature.

Secretary of State for Equality and Against Gender-Based Violence, Angela Rodriguez found that the new measures aim to improve the menstrual and reproductive health of women in the country.

"This is not about small inconveniences, but serious symptoms

...

Menstrual health rights have never been discussed, and the data is frightening. Every fourth woman can not buy hygiene products for financial reasons. "That is why we are proposing that they be distributed free of charge in educational and social centers," Rodriguez said.