For millions of Indian women, periods are not just a monthly event. They bring pain, exhaustion, mood changes, heavy bleeding, migraines, and sometimes crippling conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or dysmenorrhea. Yet, despite this very real physical and emotional toll, women across workplaces push through meetings, presentations, and deadlines while silently suffering.
Menstrual leave argues that women shouldn’t have to “tough it out” every month, nor be judged for needing rest. It is about dignity, inclusion, and recognising biological realities without shame.
As a doctor, it is important to highlight that menstrual pain is not “normal weakness.”
Demanding that women perform at 100% on these days is unfair and scientifically unreasonable.
Menstrual leave acknowledges a simple truth: rest is a human need, not an excuse.
Contrary to popular belief, menstrual leave is not about reducing output—it’s about enabling sustainable performance.
When women rest during the most difficult hours of their cycle:
Countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Spain, and Zambia already offer menstrual leave. Their economies have not collapsed; instead, workplaces have become more empathetic and adaptable.
Indian women face additional layers of taboo:
In such an environment, formal menstrual leave policies are empowering. They break the silence, normalise rest, and protect women from the guilt of “not being strong enough.”
Equality doesn’t mean treating everyone the same. It means giving everyone what they need to function fairly.
Menstruation is a biological process that affects half the population. Ignoring it is not neutrality—it is discrimination disguised as uniformity.
Workplaces already offer:
Yet menstrual leave is questioned. Why? Because periods remain stigmatized.
Recognising menstrual leave is a step toward true gender equality, not preferential treatment.
Nearly 1 in 10 women have endometriosis.Up to 20% suffer from PCOS.Millions experience dysmenorrhea requiring medication.
These are not mild conditions.They are medical realities that affect daily functioning.
Offering menstrual leave:
Women with chronic gynecological conditions should not have to choose between health and job security.
When organisations adopt menstrual leave:
This creates a healthier, more informed, and empathetic work culture.
A good menstrual leave policy includes:
This ensures dignity, privacy, and fairness.
Menstrual leave is not about creating extra privileges. It is about acknowledging that women deserve rest without stigma. It is about accepting biological truth, respecting bodily autonomy, and promoting a workplace culture that truly supports women.
A progressive company is one that understands that healthy employees, physically and mentally are the strongest assets.And women deserve spaces where they can work without hiding their pain.
Menstrual leave is not a demand. It is a right whose time has come.
About PeriodSakhi
PeriodSakhi is your trusted companion for understanding your menstrual health. With easy-to-use tools, it helps you track your periods, ovulation, fertility, moods, and symptoms, while providing insights into your overall reproductive and hormonal health. PeriodSakhi also serves as a supportive online community where women can share experiences, find reliable information, and access expert-backed guidance on menstrual health, PCOS, pregnancy, lifestyle, and more.
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article/blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of PeriodSakhi. Any omissions, errors, or inaccuracies are the responsibility of the author. PeriodSakhi assumes no liability or responsibility for any content presented. Always consult a qualified medical professional for specific advice related to menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, or related conditions.
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