With Bihar and Kerala taking the lead in granting menstrual leave, should Goa follow suit?
Every month, women go through a time of discomfort, pain, and hormonal turbulence in their bodies and mind, but still manage to get to their workplace and do their best.
These four-five days of menstruation have been treated with extreme apathy by our society (a headache or flu is given more weightage), but a woman is expected to pull off her duties just like during other days and act as if everything is normal. The stigma around periods makes it worse.
Poor sanitisation facilities at many workplaces and the male-dominated environment only adds to the discomfort.
With more women now a part of the workforce and playing an important role in the economy, menstrual leave should be addressed on priority basis with proper dialogue and consideration.
NT BUZZ spoke to a few people to get their views on this topic:
Periods are not consistent and come on different days every month. If there is professional commitment around the time of period, it can be difficult to ask others to bend to the menstrual emergency. Paid menstrual leave will probably mean women face more barriers as employers are less likely to hire them. Considering three days a month, it adds to 36 days in a year, which is a significant percentage of workdays. Not every woman experience immense pain during periods. If a painful period is experienced, sick leave can be availed. Instead of giving menstrual leaves, all organisations should plan to provide facilities like sanitary pads incinerator, resting room, and medicines.”
Shreyas Ambe, engineer, Margao
Women do deserve a holiday during their menstruation because it can be a painful time and can affect the work efficiency of the person. The pain might also affect decision-making, which is crucial in a workspace. Therefore, a healthy body plus a healthy mind will keep the work flow smooth.”
Clive Fernandes, founder at TST Esports, Saligao
I agree that women’s menstrual cycles can definitely affect their day, especially while at work. It may not necessarily be feasible for organisations to monitor such leaves. However, I do think that offering at least a work from home deal during such days can benefit women to endure the menstrual pain and deal with other difficulties that tend to arise.”
Lorraine Fernandes, IELTS and soft skills trainer, Ponda
I truly believe India should consider government-funded menstrual leave for women. Considerations such as these will go a long way in building an inclusive society that promotes care of women’s health. Nevertheless, even discussions on this matter will set the ball rolling and bring about the change we need as a country and society that tends to treat women as second-class citizens. This is a step in an entire series of changes that are needed to improve female health nationwide: from access to information about health conditions and disorders that affect females, adequate sanitation and access to sanitary products, access to reproductive education and resources, among others.”
Andrea Fernandes, assistant managing editor, Caranzalem
While menstruation isn’t an illness, some argue that some women don’t feel any physical symptoms. I am still of the opinion that menstrual leaves should be a reality across India. It is important to note that it in no way denotes female weakness but talks about being sensitive towards a bigger picture which is mental health. While the physical symptoms can be controlled by popping a pill, the amount of hormonal turbulence women normally go through in the first two days is severe. A work from home option could also be offered, if not a full day leave. With almost one in five women diagnosed with PCOD these days, menstruation and its impact can no longer be brushed under the carpet. Granting such leaves would be a progressive move.”
Pooja Lawande, assistant
professor, Taleigao
It would be a great move in the right direction as health is an important factor. But this should not be limited to just women or people with uteruses, but should also be for transmen too. With very varied experiences of periods, this move is more inclusive, making menstruation a regular part of mainstream conversation as opposed to a bathroom or menstruator’s secret.”
Shivranjana Rathore, writer and artist, Candolim
According to me, one or two days of leave during menstruation will be a breather as many women go to work and struggle in silence. For many men it may seem like an excuse, but this will allow women to take care of themselves and make them feel cared for at work. Our elected representatives should come together to pass this Bill.”
Renèe Luziãnha, singer, Mapusa
I don’t think menstrual leave is needed. We should get used to this as it’s a biological cycle. Also, it is not possible to give school students two days leave each month. They will miss a lot of classes. In my opinion, the government need not give holidays, but should provide good toilet facilities in all schools and offices.
Keerthi Akhil V P, researcher, Taleigao
In my opinion, menstrual leave is important, considering all that a woman undergoes during her periods – cramps, nausea, body ache, fatigue, excessive bleeding, discomfort, etc. Research also suggests that over 25 million women suffer from endometriosis, making it very difficult for them to work at that time and bear the pain. Considering the pandemic, the work from home concept has become the new normal. I feel if not menstrual leave then at least the woman should be granted two days of work from home. This can increase productivity of the organisation as well as boost employee morale. Menstrual hygiene, period awareness and self-care are important topics.”
Tanisha Samant, Porvorim
Lately, my monthly casual leave says “Unwell today, taking a day off” when I actually wanted to say “on my periods”. This is because somehow menstruation in India is still a taboo, making it difficult to speak about periods at school and work places. This is also a reason for many girls in rural India dropping out from school. Personally for me, it becomes very difficult to put my best foot forward at work as I have a condition called endometriosis, which leaves me battling intense pain coupled with fatigue and vomiting. Undoubtedly many women have handled this condition very well all these years but it will be liberating if this bill of period leave gets passed.
Bricila Fernandes, Majorda
Overall it’s a good idea. Even though I may not have unbearable pain during that time, there are others who do and deserve time off to deal with the discomfort. Personally, I don’t need it. However, there could be cases of people misusing the leaves.”
Samantha Lewis, HR Executive, Colvale
I’m a big advocate that taking breaks when feeling overwhelmed (for mental or physical reasons) helps people function and work better. I would love for menstrual leave to be a policy. But I think we may need to be realistic. The hope is that it further reduces stigma and discrimination related to menstruation. However, I hear and understand the opposing views that it could lead to further discrimination against women in the workplace. I suppose not all companies and work cultures can handle it.”
Lorraine Fernandes, marketing communication, Colva