Karnataka likely to provide six days of paid menstrual leave annually for working women

Globally, countries such as Spain, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Zambia, the Philippines, and Taiwan provide menstrual leave for women employees.

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad said the state is considering a proposal to provide six days of paid menstrual leave per year for working women in the private and government sectors.

"We are planning to implement a policy, and for that, we formed a committee that recommended providing six days of paid menstrual leave per year. We are now reviewing the proposal," Lad told Moneycontrol.

The state government had constituted an 18-member committee to draft the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products bill.

"We are considering the suggestions and have called for a meeting with the committee members. This initiative supports the female workforce, as women experience significant ups and downs in life. The leave will be flexible, allowing women to choose when they want to take time off," Lad said.

Also, read: Period leaves policy undergo change as stigma continues to haunt women employees

"It's not just about being progressive. Women face many challenges, especially after marriage or when they have children. There are many factors to consider," he added.

Several private firms, including Swiggy and Zomato, already offer menstrual leave to female delivery workers. Swiggy provides two days off a month during the menstrual cycle, while Zomato gives 10 days of paid leave annually.

Bihar introduced a menstrual leave policy in 1992, allowing women two days of paid leave per month. In 2023, Kerala offered menstrual leave to female students in all state universities. In August 2024, Odisha introduced one day of paid menstrual leave, allowing women to take leave on the first or second day of their cycle.

Also, read: Odisha becomes third state to implement one-day paid menstrual leave for working women

Globally, countries such as Spain, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Vietnam, Zambia, Philippines, and Taiwan provide menstrual leave for women employees.

Tara Krishnaswamy, a women’s rights activist, said: “People often underestimate the impact of the menstrual cycle. Accommodating biological differences is crucial for an inclusive society. Current workplaces and labor laws need to adapt to be more inclusive, especially with women’s workforce participation in Karnataka/Bengaluru at only around 20%.”

"India must address its low female workforce participation, which lags behind that of other developing countries, to become an economic powerhouse. Overcoming patriarchal biases and closing the gender wage gap are essential for both economic and social progress,” Krishnaswamy added.

In July 2024, the Supreme Court stated that it is up to the Centre and state governments to consider creating a policy for menstrual leave for female students and working women. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud remarked that while such a policy could enhance women's participation in the workforce, it might also deter employers from hiring women. In 2017, Arunachal Pradesh MP Ninong Ering introduced the Menstruation Benefit Bill, proposing two days of paid menstrual leave per month for women in the public and private sectors. However, the bill is yet to be passed.

In December 2023, then Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani opposed a similar demand in Parliament, stating that menstruation is a natural part of life and should not be treated as a handicap requiring special leave, as it could limit women's equal opportunities.   In India, menstruation is often seen as a taboo and a barrier to equality. Monthly symptoms such as pelvic and lower back pain, headaches, fatigue, and mood swings can persist till menopause, which typically begins between ages 45 and 55.

Also, read: No proposal under consideration to make paid menstrual leave mandatory for all workplaces: Govt