What the rules provide
Zambia is one of the very few countries with statutory menstrual leave: since 2015, kept in the Employment Code Act of 2019, every female employee may take one day off a month, known as Mother's Day, without notice or medical certificate and without loss of pay. The government has supplied free sanitary pads to girls in rural and peri-urban public schools since 2017, to reduce absenteeism; distribution is uneven and depends on the budget.
Tax policy has favoured local production and school supply rather than a blanket exemption; prices in shops remain high for most households, and NGOs promote reusable pads.
Endometriosis is treated in the gynaecology departments of the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka and the provincial hospitals, with limited laparoscopy; private clinics in Lusaka and the Copperbelt serve those who can pay. Awareness is low.
Employers sometimes contest Mother's Day; the law is clear that it is a right, and the labour office handles complaints.
Key points
| Menstrual leave | One day a month (“Mother's Day”), Employment Code Act 2019, no notice or certificate required |
|---|---|
| Schools | Free pads for girls in rural and peri-urban public schools since 2017 |
| Tax | No blanket exemption; support to local production |
| Endometriosis | University Teaching Hospital and provincial hospitals; private clinics |
| Reusable products | NGO programmes |
In practice
- Mother's Day needs no justification: tell the employer you are taking it; refusal can be reported to the labour office.
- Ask the school whether government pads are supplied and when.
- For pelvic pain, the provincial hospital gynaecology clinic is the public route.
What it costs
A cycle costs roughly 30 to 80 kwacha in disposables. Free pads in eligible schools; one paid day a month off work by law.
What has changed recently
Mother's Day survived the 2019 recodification of labour law; the school programme has continued with fluctuating budgets.
Where to find help
- Ministry of Labour: Employment Code Act and complaints.
- Ministry of Education: school sanitary pad programme.
- University Teaching Hospital gynaecology department.
- NGOs promoting reusable pads.
Worth knowing
Mother's Day is a right, but some employers still demand proof or refuse it; keep a written record and use the labour office.
Frequently asked questions
Is there menstrual leave in Zambia?
Yes: one day a month, Mother's Day, without notice or certificate, under the Employment Code Act.
Are pads free in schools?
For girls in rural and peri-urban public schools since 2017, subject to supply.
Are pads tax-free?
No blanket exemption; policy has favoured local production and school supply.
Official sources and links
- Ministry of Labour and Social Security — Employment Code Act, Mother's Day