Also known as period leave, the allowance would prevent women from having to seek a sick certificate from their doctor or feigning another illness. “Many women suffer from pain every month, be it stomach aches or back aches,” the petition author writes, adding that women can suffer from fatigue, nausea and diarrhoea when on their periods.

The impact of period pain on women is “significantly underestimated,” Ornella Romito says in documents filed with parliament.

Women’s rights advocates are divided on period leave, with some claiming it would be a step forward akin to maternity leave while others say it could lead to further discrimination from employers who might be less likely to hire women because of the extra leave.

Japan introduced a country-wide period leave policy in 1947 but only 0.9% of women today actually claim it, according to a 2017 government report. South Korea introduced period leave in 1953, but it remains controversial as it offers extra pay to women who don’t take it.

As of 2021, there aren't any EU countries with a period leave policy.

The petition to introduce such a measure in Luxembourg is open for signature until 28 June on the public petitions’ website.

Anyone aged 15 or over with a Luxembourg social security number can sign a public petition. If it reaches more than 4,500 signatures it must be debated in parliament together with the relevant government representative.