The Odisha government has introduced a one-day menstrual leave policy for women employees working in both state government and private companies for the first time in the state. A district-level Independence Day celebrations, Odisha’s new Chief Minister Pravathi Parida said female employees will be allowed to take leave on the first or second day of their menstrual cycle. The one-day menstrual leave policy will be effective immediately.
What is India’s stance on period leave?
There has been a debate about period leave in India for years. Women say that they should get leave during periods. However, sometimes some women also oppose it. But now the Supreme Court has directed the central government to make a model policy on period leave.
The policy aims to support the health and well-being of people suffering from menstruation and will be extended to both public and private sectors. Parida said that this leave can be availed on the first or second day of menstruation.
Should women get leave during periods?
Every woman’s body structure is different. Due to this, every woman’s experience of periods can also be different. There is a group of women whose periods are healthy. They do not even know when the periods come and go. On the other hand, for some women, the time of periods is very painful. Many times they even have to get admitted to the hospital. They have to bear a lot of pain.
Along with pain, one has to go through many physical problems like vomiting, nausea, headache, leg pain, back pain. This pain is so dangerous that you cannot even sit or work properly during this time. For such women, leave during periods becomes very important. It is not possible for every company to give leave during periods, but during this time, work from home or leave for the first 2 days of periods should be arranged. So that she can work comfortably by staying at home.
Women have to face many challenges during periods
Every woman has to go through this problem. Some women have to face many challenges during periods. This is the reason why rest is very much needed during these difficult days. That is why there is a demand for period leave in the country. At present, no law has been made in India regarding period leave.
Why is menstrual leave necessary for women?
Period leave is very important during periods. During periods, many women have to face a lot of pain, fatigue, mood swings and many types of physical problems. Due to all this, the ability of women is badly affected. There is a special need for rest during menstrual leave. So that it does not have a bad effect on their working capacity. People do not talk openly about health problems related to women. There are many myths in the society about the health problems occurring during this period, it is very important to remove them. Giving leave will help in normalizing the conversation about menstruation.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, please consult the concerned expert.
