The Karnataka government is taking a significant step towards promoting women’s health and well-being by proposing six days of paid menstrual leave per year for working women in both the private and public sectors. This initiative, if implemented, would be a major development in the country’s ongoing dialogue about gender equality and women’s rights.
The government has established an 18-member committee to draft a bill titled ‘Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products.’ Karnataka’s Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, emphasized the need for this leave, stating that it will be flexible, allowing women to choose when to take time off. He highlighted the many challenges women face, particularly after marriage or childbirth, underscoring the importance of providing support during these times.
This move aligns with a growing trend in India where various states are implementing menstrual leave policies. Odisha recently announced one day of menstrual leave for women, while Bihar has been offering two days of paid menstrual leave per month since 1992. Kerala introduced menstrual leave for female students in all state universities in 2023. In 2017, Arunachal Pradesh MP Ninong Ering introduced the Menstruation Benefit Bill, proposing two days of paid menstrual leave each month, but it is yet to be passed.
The proposed leave in Karnataka has sparked debate. In December 2023, the former Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani expressed concerns that granting menstrual leave could hamper equal opportunities for women, arguing that menstruation is a natural process, not a handicap.
While the debate continues, some private companies are already embracing menstrual leave policies. Food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy have implemented policies that provide menstrual leave for their female delivery partners. Zomato offers ten days of paid leave annually, while Swiggy provides two days of paid leave per month.
Globally, countries like Japan, South Korea, Spain, the Philippines, Taiwan, Zambia, and Vietnam have already adopted paid menstrual leave policies for women. The ongoing discussion in India about menstrual leave highlights the growing awareness of the unique challenges women face and the need for policies that promote their well-being and equality.
