Menstruation is a natural phenomenon that every woman experiences, but it can also be a time of excruciating pain and discomfort. Despite being a regular occurrence, menstrual cycles continue to be a taboo topic, and women are often expected to carry on with their daily lives as if nothing is wrong. However, this is easier said than done, as the pain and discomfort caused by periods can be debilitating, affecting women’s productivity and well-being.
Many countries have recognized the need for menstrual leave, allowing women to take time off work or school during their menstrual cycle. However, there has been resistance to this idea, with some arguing that it is discriminatory and could lead to gender bias in hiring practices.
The Benefits of Menstrual Leave Policy
While it is true that some may use menstrual leave as a reason not to hire women, the benefits of such a policy far outweigh the potential drawbacks. Menstrual leave would provide women with the necessary time to take care of their health and well-being without facing the added stress of having to work or attend school while experiencing intense pain. Moreover, it is not just about pain; During menstruation, women experience various physical and mental challenges, including cramps, fatigue, mood swings, headaches making it challenging to perform daily tasks efficiently. These challenges can affect a woman’s ability to work and function properly. Unfortunately, in India, many women do not have access to adequate menstrual products, pain relief medication, or support from employers. This lack of support can lead to increased absenteeism from work and a lower quality of life for women. Therefore, allowing women to take time off work or school during their menstrual cycle could lead to better productivity and happier employees or students.
Implementation of Menstrual Leave Policy[1]
Many countries, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia, have already implemented menstrual leave policies. In India, Bihar made the first step towards paid menstrual leave in 1992, but the policy remains hesitant and has not been implemented nationwide. Recently, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court regarding the issue, but it was dismissed, stating that it was a matter of policy.
It is time for the Indian government to recognize the importance of menstrual leave and implement policies that provide women with the necessary time and support during their menstrual cycle. This would not only benefit women’s health and well-being but also lead to a more productive and inclusive workforce.
Addressing Social Stigma Surrounding Menstruation
Period Leave has emerged as a topic of discussion in recent years, with some companies and countries beginning to recognize the need for such policies. While the concept of Period Leave may seem controversial to some, it is important to understand that it is not a new phenomenon. Women have been taking time off from work or school to manage menstrual pain for centuries, and many still do so today.
One of the reasons why Period Leave is necessary is because of the social stigma surrounding menstruation. Women who experience painful menstrual cramps or other symptoms may feel embarrassed or ashamed to admit it, especially if they fear being stigmatized or discriminated against by their employers or colleagues. This can lead to women suffering in silence, which is not only detrimental to their health and well-being but also to their productivity at work or school.
Furthermore, the lack of awareness and education about menstruation can exacerbate the negative impact of social stigma. Many women are not aware of the physical and emotional symptoms that can accompany menstruation or how to manage them effectively. As a result, they may be forced to take time off from work or school, which can lead to lost wages or missed opportunities.
Addressing the social stigma surrounding menstruation and educating people about the natural bodily function is therefore essential for reducing gender inequality. When women feel comfortable discussing their menstrual pain and other symptoms, they are more likely to receive the support and accommodations they need to manage them effectively. This can help to reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and promote gender equality in the workplace and beyond.
Recognizing the need for Period Leave is an important step towards recognizing women’s pain and reducing gender inequality. By addressing the social stigma surrounding menstruation and educating people about the natural bodily function, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all women.
Recent Progress in India[2]
The Indian Supreme Court ruled in 1992 that women should be entitled to menstrual leave, but many companies have not implemented this fundamental right. In response to this, the Bihar government introduced a policy in 1992 that granted female employees two days of paid leave every month for menstruation-related reasons. Recently, the Purnea district of Bihar launched an action plan for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), including MHM-friendly toilets and awareness kits for government high schools. Other states such as Kerala have also introduced policies granting female employees menstrual leave.
Some companies, including Culture Machine, Gozoop, Mathrubhumi, Zomato, Swiggy, and Byjus, have implemented menstrual leave policies. The Delhi government announced in March 2021 that all its female employees would be entitled to menstrual leave, while the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra governments made similar announcements in July and August 2021, respectively. The Higher Education department also recently issued an order implementing menstrual and maternity leaves for students in universities.
Need for Menstrual Leave Policy in India
India needs a menstrual leave policy to support women’s health and wellbeing. The policy should allow women to take one to three days of menstrual leave per month, depending on their individual needs. The policy should also not affect a woman’s job security or promotion prospects. This will ensure that women do not have to choose between their health and their job.
In addition to a menstrual leave policy, India needs to improve menstrual hygiene education and access to menstrual products. The government should mandate that all workplaces provide separate washrooms for women and sanitary napkin disposal facilities. These measures will not only support women’s health and wellbeing but also promote gender equality in India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, menstrual leave is not just about providing women with a few days off work; it is about recognizing the struggles and pain that come with menstruation and providing support to ensure women can take care of their health and well-being. The implementation of menstrual leave policies is a necessary step towards gender. Menstrual leave is not a privilege but a basic right for women. Women should not have to choose between their health and their job. It is time for India to prioritize women’s health and implement a menstrual leave policy. Additionally, improving menstrual hygiene education and access to menstrual products, as well as mandating separate washrooms for women and sanitary napkin disposal facilities in workplaces, will further support women’s health and promote gender equality in India.
Submitted by
Name: HIMANSHU RANJAN
College: SVKM’s NMIMS – Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, Mumbai
[1]ThePrint, “Lalu’s Bihar to Spain: Controversial journey of menstrual leave spans decades,” ThePrint (November 17, 2018), https://theprint.in/india/lalus-bihar-to-spain-controversial-journey-of-menstrual-leave-spans-decades/1394082/
[2] ThePrint, “Lalu’s Bihar to Spain: Controversial journey of menstrual leave spans decades,” ThePrint (November 17, 2018), https://theprint.in/india/lalus-bihar-to-spain-controversial-journey-of-menstrual-leave-spans-decades/1394082/