PL MP Rosianne Cutajar has called for a national discussion on menstrual leave during her parliamentary address on Tuesday. 

Cutajar stated that menstrual leave is a type of leave granted to women who experience significant pain due to conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and others. 

There are women in Malta who face difficulties during their menstrual cycles and are unable to perform their daily routines, including work or school. Some women have even lost their jobs because of a lack of awareness about this issue.

Cutajar pointed out that globally, there is a scarcity of legislation dealing with menstrual leave. However, she mentioned a few countries like Japan, Taiwan, Zambia, and Spain, where this issue has been addressed legislatively.

The Spanish Parliament recently passed a bill on menstrual leave, which now awaits Senate approval.

Cutajar acknowledged that the topic of menstrual leave is highly stigmatised and in countries where it is allowed, many women opt not to take advantage of it due to fear of being stigmatised or losing job opportunities. 

She also noted that doctors do not list menstrual pain as the reason for leave on medical certificates, to avoid discrimination by employers.

Cutajar expressed the need to bring this discussion to a national level, recognising that there will be resistance from social partners. There are several questions that need to be addressed, such as the number of leave days, who will pay for it, whether it will be part of sick leave or separate, and how to prevent abuse. 

Cutajar emphasised that these issues must be considered when discussing this initiative to eliminate the stigma and support women’s health and rights.

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