Congedo mestruale

Finally, also in Europe, a 'pioneering' law to protect working women. In Spain, menstrual leave arrives, in Italy there is already a law ready.

Menstrual leave consists of justified absence from work, paid at 100% for 3 days a month, up to 5 in particular situations. The only requirement is to have a certificate from a specialist doctor certifying the pathological and disabling condition of dysmenorrhea, with annual validity.

For non-healthcare readers, dysmenorrhea refers to particularly acute, intense, even cramp-like and constant menstrual pain in the lower abdomen. Often not resolved with a simple medicine prescribed by the doctor.

In short, a law on the side of women.

The next country to consider this law could be Luxembourg.

It's a pity, because in Italy there is a bill that has been stalled since 2016, precisely on menstrual leave.

This new Spanish law will not only concern menstrual leave but also theelimination of VAT on sanitary pads, some estimates say that one in four women cannot afford them.

Menstrual leave is present in many countries, the first was Japan, since 1947, followed by Vietnam, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Zambia.

In India but also worldwide, many private companies such as Zomato, a large multinational, recognizes for its employees ten days of menstrual leave per year.

The data on dysmenorrhea are alarming, between 60% and 90% of women have pain during the menstrual cycle. 30% of those who suffer from dysmenorrhea, experience pain so intense that it causes a serious limitation of daily activities.

It's sad that in Italy there is a cutting-edge law stalled since 2016 that could protect women and transgender people with painful periods.

We as Nursing Up will do our part to protect female workers at every company and regional table, also raising awareness on social media, as I am sure that our President De Palma, will do everything to raise awareness among the Italian political class to take up that law that has been in the drawer since 2016.

Changing topic, I want to make a personal appeal to colleagues, to all healthcare professionals.

The famous national health contract will soon be signed, many will be disappointed.

Our delegation has done and will continue to do its utmost.

I often hear colleagues say, what are you doing? What have you done?

Well, in the recently held RSU elections, the category unions did not receive, not even this time, the strength they deserve...even if always on a positive trend. 

I want to say that it is difficult to do something great when you don't have the numbers to do it and when everyone is against you. Healthcare professionals should understand who is on their side...but that's just my personal thought.

There are those who have had power for 40 years but do not use it.

We try, as we are sure that the other category unions will also try, but your help is also needed if we want change. Join the category unions, get into politics, get involved as RSU with the category unions, become promoters, activists, become trade unionists, raise awareness among colleagues and you will see how everything will change quickly.

We healthcare professionals are the largest and most prepared army in the country.

You are the change.