In India Inc, granting menstrual leave is a

Contentious Issue

Any such move can cost us our equality, say opponents

By Siddhi Chauhan

Riya Agarwal, who works for a private company has to sit in front of a screen for about eight hours a day. The 23-year-old has got used to her hectic schedule, but the first two days of periods are unbearable for her. Constant gnawing pain in the abdomen and the back makes it difficult for her to focus on her work.

She leaves for her office at 8.30 am every day. After work, she goes to her relative’s house to teach her nephew.

“It becomes a challenge to carry out my daily tasks due to my irregular dates,” informed The Observer. Asked how she man-

Bihar and Kerala are the only states that provide menstrual leave in the country. | Credit: Siddhi Chauhan ages during the initial days, she said: “Even though the initial days are painful, I have to bear the pain and carry out my rou- tine. Sometimes I rely on home remedies. I meditate to calm myself. There are times when my condition worsens and I have to give numerous explanations to my superiors to leave early.”

There are many other woking women like Riya who suffer from period cramps and back pain every month.

In India, only 15 private companies, including Zomato and Swiggy, provide menstrual leave.

Bihar and Kerala are the only states that provide menstrual leave. Kerala recently decided to offer menstrual leave to female students at state universities.

While many demand the same in other states, some claim that this move will discourage companies from hiring women. siddhi.c@iijnm.org

Menstrual leave can be a boon, say working women, P3