The
special leave benefits for women are enacted through Republic Act No. 9710,
also known as ‘The Magna Carta of Women’
stipulating that a female employee who has rendered continuous
aggregate employment service of at least 6 months for the last 12 months prior
to surgery is entitled to 2 months of
special leave with full pay following surgery caused by
gynecological disorders.
“Gynecological
disorders” refers to disorders that would require surgical procedures such as,
but not limited to dilatation and curettage and those involving female
reproductive organs such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes,
ovaries, breast, adnexa and pelvic floor, as certified by a competent
physician. It shall also include hysterectomy, ovariectomy and mastectomy.
The
special leave shall be non-cumulative and non-convertible to cash.