Paid Menstrual Leave Arrives in Montenegro — But Only for Diagnosed Conditions

Montenegro’s parliament has approved a law granting women with severe menstrual pain two days of paid leave each month, making it only the second European country after Spain to introduce such a policy. The legislation, passed on July 27, targets a specific medical condition rather than offering blanket leave for all women.

The measure applies exclusively to women diagnosed with secondary dysmenorrhea — a category that includes endometriosis, fibroids, and polyps. To qualify, employees must present a specialist’s diagnosis, which must be renewed annually by December 31 and submitted to their employer by January 30 of the following year.

Jevrosima Pejovi?, the lawmaker who championed the initiative, described the change as an end to “silent discrimination.” Previously, she argued, women with chronic pain conditions often lost income when their symptoms forced them to miss work. “It should be unthinkable to work while suffering severe pain,” Pejovi? said. The law takes effect once published in Montenegro’s official gazette.

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Spain remains Europe’s pioneer in this area. Since 2023, Spanish women can take three to five days off per month with a medical certificate, receiving 75 percent of their salary from the first day. Portugal is planning a similar policy for 2025, offering up to three fully paid days for women diagnosed with endometriosis or adenomyosis.

Globally, menstrual leave is not new. Japan introduced it in 1947, Indonesia followed in 1948, and Zambia currently grants female workers one paid day per month. In contrast, neighboring Serbia has no specific provision — affected women there must rely on standard sick leave.

In Germany, the debate has taken a different direction. Policymakers are discussing a rule allowing sick notes from the first day of symptoms, but without a dedicated leave entitlement. Roughly 15 percent of German women suffer from endometriosis, underscoring the relevance of workplace adjustments.

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Separately, German municipalities are exploring free access to menstrual products. On July 28, Karlsruhe’s city council debated a proposal to provide free sanitary items in schools. While the administration rejected blanket funding for now, it agreed to assess needs at secondary schools. Best-practice examples are expected by the end of the 2026/27 school year.

The developments in Montenegro and Germany reflect a broader shift: women’s specific health needs are gaining attention in labor and education policy. Critics warn of added administrative burdens and potential hiring biases, while supporters argue the measures represent a basic standard of dignity and protection against financial hardship caused by chronic illness.

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