A Global Analysis of Menstruation-Friendly Working Practices Through an Evaluation of International Examples

Gender equality is a key issue and an important element of basic human rights, especially when it comes to the workplace. Labor laws often fail to address the specific challenges women face, like menstruation and menopause. This study focuses on how menstruation is treated in labor law, with a spotlight on international practices around menstrual leave. It looks at the purpose behind these national legislation-policies, how legal frameworks differ, and how the literature evaluates the function of these institutions. The aim of the paper is to provide useful insights for future lawmakers, social partners, drawing lessons from Spain – the only EU country with such a policy – Japan, Indonesia, Taiwan and other national examples, showing how menstrual leave can support women’s wellbeing at work. The research focuses only on the legal aspects of these menstrual leave policies, which is a very rare aspect in the literature.