Lawmakers said the measure aims to support women experiencing severe menstrual pain and reduce workplace discrimination. Rights groups have welcomed the reform, describing it as a significant step towards recognising menstrual health in employment law.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: Sasun Bughdaryan;

The new entitlement applies only to women with a medical diagnosis of secondary dysmenorrhea, a condition causing painful menstrual cramps linked to underlying health disorders. Montenegro is the first country in the Balkans to introduce this type of paid leave, joining a small number of countries worldwide that have adopted menstrual leave policies.