When asked about the government’s stance on making it mandatory for employers to provide menstrual leave, Irani expressed her view, stating, “As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle are not a handicap; it’s a natural part of women’s life journey.” However, this raises a crucial consideration: should menstrual leave policy be viewed as a broad category, especially when some women dealing with conditions like endometriosis or dysmenorrhea undergo painful and physically challenging experiences?
Do Women Need Menstrual Leave?
The need for menstrual leaves is a topic that revolves around the diverse experiences women have during their menstrual cycles. Managing work alongside rest or medication might be feasible, but others may face extreme symptoms, occasionally leading to the need for hospitalization. This variability in experiences makes the creation of a standardized policy challenging.
Recognizing the individuality of these experiences, it becomes crucial to establish a workplace environment where a woman, if necessary, can take a menstrual leave without facing judgment or financial consequences. The goal is to foster an understanding that acknowledges and respects the unique challenges some women may encounter during menstruation, allowing them the flexibility they require without compromising their well-being or professional standing. Women should be given a choice to take menstrual leave or not.
Giving birth is a natural thing, and so is having your period. But sometimes, having a baby or going through your period can be tricky. For example, after having a baby, some moms face problems like heavy bleeding. That’s why the government says moms should have their babies in a hospital.
In a similar way, periods can be tough for some women. So, just like the government promotes having babies in hospitals for safety, they should also make things easier for women during their periods. It’s true, a few people might take advantage of these rules, but most people would benefit. That’s how our laws usually work – they’re made thinking about what’s good for most people.
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What Are The Health Issues Faced By Women During Menstruation?
During menstruation, many women commonly experience various challenges, including pain, heavy bleeding, difficulty concentrating due to hormonal changes, uncomfortable bloating, sleep disturbances, vomiting, and sometimes fever. These issues can make it tough for women to carry out their daily activities, including work, and may require understanding and support from others. Recognizing and addressing these common complaints is essential to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women during their menstrual cycles.
The Solution
When it comes to rules, there isn’t a clear one in India about menstrual leave. Kerala and Bihar are the only states in India providing menstrual leaves. At the same time, some companies like Zomato and Byju have decided to give this option to their female employees, but there isn’t a law saying every company has to do it. This lack of clear rules makes the discussion even more complicated and adds to the ongoing debate.
Other countries, like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, already have menstrual leave policy. As India figures out what to do, everyone needs to talk openly about periods and break the silence. We need to understand each other better and find a way to make our workplaces kinder and more understanding. It’s like taking one step at a time toward a better future where everyone feels comfortable and equal, no matter what time of the month it is.