Why is menstrual leave important for women? Learn about the changes they go through that require rest. To know, “Is it a government or bank holiday today or tomorrow?” visit our homepage.

Why is period leave important for women?

Recently, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the Menstrual Leave Policy-2025. Under this policy, all working women will now be granted one day of paid menstrual leave every month. This benefit will extend not only to women government employees, but also to women working in the textile industry, multinational companies, IT firms, and various other sectors.

Women struggle with period pain every month. Consequently, the Karnataka government has taken a significant decision to promote the health of working women and workplace equality.

What changes occur in women that require rest?

Giving women leave during menstruation isn’t about granting them privilege or special treatment, but rather about respecting their health needs and helping them prioritize their well-being. Resting, drinking plenty of water, and relaxing during menstruation can have a profound impact on a woman’s overall health. This can help women return to their normal routines with more energy and concentration. Therefore, there’s no harm in granting women menstrual leave.

Menstrual leave is important for women because they experience numerous physical and emotional changes during menstruation, making it difficult for them to carry out everyday tasks. Hormonal changes during menstruation cause uterine contractions, and many women may experience severe cramps, back pain, fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

Period leave also encourages empathy and inclusion in the workplace by recognizing natural conditions. Women need support during this crucial time, as menstrual pain disrupts their daily routine.

For some women, especially those with endometriosis or PCOS, the pain can be unbearable and make it difficult to work, concentrate, and feel stressed. Many women may also experience mood swings, anger, dizziness, and weakness due to hormonal changes and anemia. These symptoms can take away peace of mind. Resting during this time helps the body recover and prevents women from becoming overly tired.

Periods are an important part of every woman’s life. They are a physical process. Menstruation affects each woman differently. This process is considered crucial for women. Periods are essential for pregnancy. Simply put, women’s periods are essential for becoming mothers. However, during this difficult time, they face many challenges. During these difficult days, some women experience stomach pain, while others experience body aches and fever. In such circumstances, performing daily tasks and attending school, college, or office often becomes extremely difficult.

Furthermore, women suffering from medical conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can experience so much pain and discomfort that they are unable to perform even simple tasks. In such circumstances, period leave is crucial for providing women with the rest they need during menstruation.

No Central Law in India

Talking about India, there is still no law regarding period leave here. This year, while dismissing a petition seeking period leave for working women and students, the Supreme Court stated that it falls within the scope of government policy. However, you may be surprised to learn that Bihar is the only state in India where women are granted paid leave during their periods. Female employees here have been granted two days off during menstruation since 1992.

Some MPs have introduced private bills in Parliament several times regarding period leave, but the matter has not progressed. During her previous term, former Union Minister Smriti Irani also opposed period leave. She stated that it is not a disease or disability and that there is no proposal for menstrual leave.

How Period Leave Began in India

Bihar was the first state in India to allow female employees two days of period leave on January 2, 1992. This policy was implemented under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and aimed to promote the health and well-being of female employees. Under this initiative, women can avail of two days of period leave per month. However, it is only available to female government employees and women up to the age of 45. Subsequently, in 1997, Mumbai-based Culture Machine began offering one day off. In 2020, food delivery company Zomato announced the introduction of menstrual leave. Currently, 12 companies in India offer period leave, including Byju’s, Swiggy, Mathrubhumi, Byju’s, Wet & Dry, and Magzter.

Which states in India offer period leave?

If we consider the states of India, only Bihar, Kerala, Odisha, Sikkim, and Karnataka have regulations regarding period leave.

• Sikkim: In 2024, the Sikkim High Court decided to provide two to three days of period leave every month to female employees working in the registry.
• Odisha: In August 2024, a one-day period leave policy was implemented for women working in both the government and private sectors.
• Karnataka: In October 2025, the Karnataka government decided to provide one day of paid period leave per month to female employees. This means that Karnataka will provide 12 days of paid menstrual leave per year for all female workers.
• Bihar: Female employees have been receiving two days of paid period leave every month since 1992.
• Kerala: Period leave was introduced for female students of government universities and institutions in 2023.

In which countries is period leave available?

Many countries around the world provide paid menstrual leave to women during their periods. You may be surprised to learn that more than 60 percent of Asian countries provide period leave to women. Various countries that offer menstrual leave to female employees are Spain, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Zambia.

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