Youth Parliament in Cyprus proposes menstrual leave policy

The 8th Youth Parliament of Representatives in Cyprus has proposed the introduction of menstrual leave as part of a report on human rights and gender equality. The proposal advocates for one to two days of medically certified leave per month for women experiencing severe symptoms. To support this, the report also suggests inviting specialized doctors to Cyprus to consult on endocrinology and hormonal health. While Cyprus currently lacks such legal provisions, international examples like Japan, South Korea, and Spain are referenced. Spain implemented paid menstrual leave in 2023, though usage has remained low with under 4,000 claims in over two years due to social stigma. The proposal aims to foster workplace inclusivity and address the impact of conditions like dysmenorrhea on women's careers. Advocates emphasize that this measure is necessary to achieve true gender equality in the Cypriot workforce.