The necessity of menstrual leave policies in India

By being vocal against the notion of a period leave, the Indian Minister of Women and Child Development has started the conversation about why they are a necessity for the country’s women workforce.

A storm of debate on menstrual leave erupted last week after Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, stated during the winter session of the Indian Parliament that ‘menstruation is not a disability’.

Her words have sparked fresh discussion throughout India on whether dedicated leave for painful periods is required to support women in workplaces.

While Minister Irani argues menstruation is a normal biological occurrence, women’s health experts explain not all experience it the same. For many, intense cramping, nausea, migraines, or other extreme symptoms emerge monthly impacting their ability to work.

As per Cleveland Clinic, about 60% of people with a uterus have mild cramps during their period, while 5% to 15% of people report severe period pain that affects their daily chores and activities.

‘I have endometriosis because of which even dosing myself with antispasmodics doesn’t help. The pain leaves me crippled.’ a…