Menstrual Leave: Should it be implemented in India?

There are certain issues which are considered a taboo in India, one of which is 'Menstruation' or in a layman's language known as Periods. This topic is never discussed openly as it makes people very uncomfortable and therefore discussed behind closed doors. Recently, Zomato announced its period leave policy wherein female employees can avail 10 days' period leave. This step has triggered widespread debate on whether menstrual leaves should be implemented or not.

In 2017, the Menstruation Benefits Bill was proposed so as to provide for female workers of private and public sector menstrual leave for 2 days every month. There are many other medical conditions associated with periods such as fibroids, endometriosis, menorrhagia etc. which should be kept in mind while formulating the Bill. 

There is a certain section of women who are not in favour of this Bill because it may further deepen the gender bias in workplace such as low pay, slow promotions and less participation. These women do not understand that you need not fit everywhere at the cost of your own suffering. It is agreed that there is still inequalities everywhere for women and these have to be removed but not the cost of your pain and suffering. They have debated that if a woman is suffering from such menstrual cramps which is making her work life unbearable then she must do so under medical/sick leave depending on sick leave policy in the company. There is a disadvantage because if she has used up all her sick leaves then she would not be able to avail further sick leave. 

It can be stated that not all women experience menstrual cramps but it cannot be denied that some women do feel it depending on their biological system. We have all been raised in a patriarchal set up wherein all the rules and regulations are in favour of men and used to control women. As times have changed and more women are coming out of their homes for a better independent living, the rules of the workplace also need to be a bit female oriented as well. 

The bigotry against women can be lessened if the workplace is educated about the process of menstruation. In this way the workplace will be bias free and additionally some measures should also be introduced like work-from-home and flexible hours for women. 

The negative reception against menstrual leave is because unlike maternity leave which is planned for months in advance, menstrual leaves are unpredictable and a woman can without any notification in advance can ask for such leaves from their boss. This negative reception may be mitigated if Paternity Leave Bill is enforced by the Indian Government which would be beneficial for would be fathers.

Whenever a Bill is introduced there will a huge debate about its implementation so this Menstrual Leave Bill is no different. Therefore, the only solution is to go through the Bill if it is made wisely before implementation and make sure that it does not create any bias at home or at work.