Women who suffer from menstrual pain are set to be offered up to three days off work each month in Spain.
The move could be approved by the Spanish government under a reform plan next week.
It would see Spain become the first country in Europe to have such a system.
Speaking about the proposed bill, Spain’s Secretary of State for Equality and Gender Violence, Angela Rodriguez said: "It is important to clarify what a painful period is, we are not talking about a slight discomfort, but about serious symptoms such as diarrhoea, severe headaches, fever.
Women could get up to three days off a month if they're suffering from period pain
Joe Giddens
Thousands marching against gender inequality in Spain
Reuters
“Symptoms that when there is a disease that entails them, a temporary disability is granted, therefore the same should happen with menstruation and that there is the possibility that if a woman has a very painful period, she can stay home.
"The rights related to menstrual health have never been discussed and the data is chilling.
"One in four women cannot choose the feminine hygiene products she wants to buy for financial reasons. That is why we propose that they can be dispensed free of charge in educational and social centres,” she told El Periodico.
As well as the three-day rule, other measures include the free provision of pads and tampons for marginalised women, while such items will have their VAT taken off them in supermarkets.
While the move to allow women three days off a month has been met with positivity by some, others have slammed the idea.
Cristina Antonanzas, deputy secretary of the UGT said she believes the bill would "stigmatise women.
"It does women a disservice," she told Spanish media.
