Montenegro approves paid leave for menstrual pain sufferers

RIGHTS/HEALTH

Montenegro’s parliament has agreed to grant two days “menstrual leave” per month for women diagnosed with secondary dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps).

The measure, which amends the Health Insurance Law, was adopted by MPs on July 27, and applies to women suffering symptoms resulting from underlying conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial polyps, ovarian inflammation and polycystic ovary syndrome.

The Women’s Rights Centre (WRC), welcomed the adoption of paid menstrual leave, describing it as an important step toward recognising women’s health needs in the workplace.

“This is a valuable example of how the presence of women in politics helps give political significance to women’s experiences, which have long been pushed into the private sphere and treated as ‘secondary’ issues,” says the WRC. “What matters now is that . . . [it] provides women with safer, healthier and more dignified working conditions.” 

The amendments are intended to properly regulate diagnosed pathological conditions, eliminate prejudice against women in the workplace and help balance their health needs with professional obligations. 

The law defines the condition as symptoms caused by previously diagnosed gynecological disorders and lists symptoms including pain in intercourse, painful urination, infertility and unusually heavy menstrual bleeding. Diagnosis must be confirmed by a medical specialist.

The amendments also regulate compensation during leave. Under Montenegro’s Health Insurance Law, compensation for temporary incapacity for work is generally set at no less than 70% of the salary base, while employers may provide a higher amount through collective agreements.

The law provides 100% compensation for certain categories of illness and medical conditions, including occupational diseases and injuries, pregnancy-related complications, malignant diseases, haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, paraplegia and quadriplegia, systemic autoimmune diseases, chronic renal failure requiring dialysis, HIV, psychoses and some other serious conditions.

The amendments are expected to enter into force after their publication in Montenegro’s Official Gazette.

This is a valuable example of how the presence of women in politics helps give political significance to women’s experiences, which have long been pushed into the private sphere and treated as ‘secondary’ issues.

Women’s Rights Centre

SOURCE