Since Wednesday (6), public servants in the Federal District who have to deal with intense cramping pains and other symptoms of the menstrual period have been entitled to three days’ leave from work each month.
The leave became permitted with the approval of Complementary Law 1.032/2024, enacted by the Federal District’s Legislative Chamber. The rule was included in the legislation governing civil servants, local authorities and public foundations.
The law stipulates that the leave will be granted after the need has been certified by an occupational doctor. Employees will not have their salaries deducted.
For most women, the menstrual period is marked by mild or moderate symptoms. However, around 15% of them face severe symptoms, with intense cramps that often affect their routine.
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The author of the law is district deputy Max Maciel (Psol). He says that the law is designed to accommodate this section of the population.
“Many countries already offer sick leave to women who suffer from severe menstrual cramps. There are bills in the Chamber of Deputies and in other states that also deal with this issue. The enactment of the law is very important and will be fundamental for those women who suffer from the severe symptoms associated with menstrual flow and have their productivity impaired at work,” said the congressman.
The Federal District is the first unit of the Federation to approve paid menstrual leave and it will be up to the government to define the application of the law through regulation.
According to the Federal District Government’s Personnel Statistics Panel, in January 2024, of the total number of active civil servants in the Executive Branch, 16,727 are men (81.9%) and 3,697 (18.1%) are women.
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