Menstrual leave is a type of leave where a person may have the option to take paid or unpaid leave from their employment if they are menstruating and are unable to go to work because of this. Throughout its history, menstrual leave has been associated with controversy and discrimination against women, with very few countries enacting policies; it is associated with low uptake in those countries that have enacted policies. It is seen by some as a criticism of women's work efficiency or as sexism. Supporters of menstrual leave policies compare its function to that of maternity leave and view it as a promoter of gender equality.