Female employees in Italy could be offered official 'menstrual leave', which would grant them three days of paid leave each month.

Italy's parliament is currently considering the law, which could see the country become the first Western one to instate the policy.

Some media outlets have praised the proposed law by describing it progressive, while others are concerned it could in fact be a setback for working women.

Although Italy has female-friendly labour laws including five months of paid maternity leave, the country has one of the lowest rates of female participation in the workforce in Europe.

While the new law could benefit women who suffer from crippling menstrual cramps, it could also provide another excuse not to employ women. According to Italy's national bureau of statistics (via The Independent), almost a quarter of pregnant employees are sacked during or after their pregnancies, despite it being illegal. And recent statistics show 61% of women in Italy work, compared with the European average of 72%.

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Economist Daniela Piazzalunga told the newspaper: "Women are already taking days off because of menstrual pains, but the new law would allow them to do so without using sick leaves or other permits.

"However, on the other hand I wouldn't exclude that [if the law is approved] this would lead to negative repercussions: The demand for female employees among companies might decrease, or women could be further penalised both in terms of salary and career advancement.'

The proposed policy was brought forward by four female members of the Democratic party, and according to Rome's Il Messaggero newspaper, it could be approved within the next few months.

Naomi Gordon Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.

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