India should consider adopting menstrual leave, a workplace policy that allows women employees to take time off when they are menstruating. A study conducted by the G J Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research in Anand recommends this policy. Several countries, including Sweden, Spain, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan, have already embraced menstrual leave. In India, states like Bihar, Kerala, and Sikkim have also implemented this policy.
Dr. Jasmine Gujarathi, a professor and head of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the G J Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, emphasizes the importance of providing menstrual leave to women for their reproductive and general health. While some argue that menstrual leave may pose an economic burden, the study suggests that it can actually increase productivity, improve work performance, and ultimately reduce financial damage.
Sweden was the first country to introduce a paid menstrual leave policy in 2016, followed by Italy. Other countries, such as Spain, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Zambia, and Vietnam, have also promoted menstrual leaves. In India, Bihar has had a policy in place since 1992 that allows women to take two days of menstrual leave each month. Kerala introduced menstrual leave in government schools and universities in 2023, granting women up to 60 days of menstrual leave annually. The Sikkim high court has also implemented a menstrual leave policy for its female employees, allowing them to take 2-3 days off each month, starting from May 27, 2024. Additionally, some private companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Byju’s have included menstrual leave in their internal policies.
Proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for women’s health to prevent complications such as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) that can arise from forgotten tampons and menstrual cups.
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