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Summary
Zambia is now the first and only African country offering paid menstrual leave, giving women one day off monthly without a medical note.
Zambia has made history as the first and only African country to legally grant menstrual leave to female employees, offering them one day off each month without requiring a medical certificate.
The progressive policy, first introduced in 2015 and popularly known as “Mother’s Day,” allows women to take paid time off work to manage painful or debilitating menstrual symptoms. This represents a bold step toward normalising conversations about women’s health and wellness in the workplace.
Menstrual leave is a type of policy that acknowledges the real impact menstruation can have on a woman’s ability to function at work, particularly for those living with conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The policy not only recognises the physical and emotional toll of menstruation on women but also encourages a more inclusive and empathetic work environment.
Globally, Zambia joins a small but growing list of countries that offer menstrual leave. Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia have long-standing policies, although these are often unpaid or inconsistently enforced.
On social media, the response has been largely positive, and many women have praised the policy.
“This is great. I would love to have such privilege,” said X user @Moeder_Phakedi. “It’s hard waking up with cramps and getting ready for work. It’s even harder at work.”
Another user, @tap3000, added: “The people who don’t have excruciating pain during their cycles have no clue, but those who do and who have endometriosis and adenomyosis completely understand and are grateful.”
Zambia’s approach is a reminder that addressing women’s menstrual health in the workplace is not just a matter of comfort but of equity, dignity, and human rights.
