In Nairobi, Kenya, a new policy has been in effect since December 2026 “without issues,” according to the governor, allowing female municipal employees to take two days of paid menstrual leave each month. The measure does not require explanations or medical certificates, unlike what applies in many other countries that have adopted similar policies.
The initiative aims to improve employees’ well-being and productivity, recognizing that menstruation is often accompanied by intense symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and discomfort. The employees themselves state that the measure helps them perform their duties better, as they can rest when needed and return more productive.
The first country to introduce menstrual leave was Japan (1947), while the most recent is Spain (2023). Zambia is the only country in Africa that implements such a measure at a national level.
Despite the positive feedback, concerns remain. Some fear that such policies may lead to discrimination against women in the labor market, with employers potentially favoring male employees. At the same time, the social stigma surrounding menstruation continues to be a barrier to open discussion.
It is worth noting that Japan was the first country to establish menstrual leave in 1947, while Spain is the most recent, having done so in 2023. In Africa, the only other country applying a similar measure (at a national level) is Zambia.
Source: The Associated Press
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