When I heard this on the early morning news, the cereal almost fell out of my mouth: Spain is introducing a special menstrual vacation. I'll check to see if today is April 1... it's not!
"Vacation time!" is all I can say! This measure sounds as if being a woman is some kind of illness because of which one better stays at home, at least a few days a month. The woman, the suffering sex!
The draft law was presented in Spain on May 17, 2022, and approved by the cabinet. Now, women who are diagnosed with menstrual problems by their doctor will be able to take up to five additional days of paid leave per month in Spain. The cost of the time off work will be borne by the social security system.
These are bitter sweet gifts!
There is still uncertainty about how many Spanish women will take menstrual leave in the future. According to the Spanish Minister for Equality, Irene Montero, up to a quarter of all women are in so much pain that they could apply for time off; according to the Ministry of Health, around one in ten women is affected.
At first glance, that sounds nice. However, it is questionable whether such cupcakes actually help women, or whether they do not rather settle like hip fat. If a woman takes full advantage of this new law, she will have up to 5 extra vacation days - per month, mind you. With an average of 20 working days per month, that's up to a quarter of the time women can potentially work less than men! In case of doubt, this will curb the enthusiasm of employers to fill more responsible positions with women in the future. After all, there is a risk that when things get busy and the workload increases, women will take time off due to menstruation.
I don't want to deny that there are menstrual cramps. But in Germany, when things get really bad, you go to the doctor and take a sick note. In Germany, too, your salary continues to be paid, but it's not written down in detail what the problem is, and it's not as "institutionalized" as the new law in Spain.
When are the prostate weeks coming?
I wonder if Spain will soon also introduce special prostate weeks to emphasize the seriousness in equality.
This commentary reflects the opinion of Fondsfrau Anke Dembowski.
Anke Dembowski is a financial journalist and author of various investment fund-related and other financial books. She is also a co-founder of the "Fondsfrauen" network.