While giving one paid day off per month for menstruation is being lauded in some policy circles, physicians and women’s rights activists argue that it doesn’t really address deeper health, equity, or workplace culture issues and may even reinforce stigma or exclusion.
Glimpse:
Recent menstrual leave policies in states like Karnataka are drawing mixed reactions. While seen as a step toward recognizing women’s health needs, experts like Dr. Hema Diwakar argue that one day off is largely symbolic. Menstrual pain and conditions like endometriosis often require more recovery time, and many women especially informal or daily wage workers are excluded. Critics also warn such policies could unintentionally discourage employers from hiring women or create workplace bias if not implemented sensitively.
Many are applauding new policies offering “one menstrual day off” each month as a sign of progress but experts like Dr. Hema Diwakar warn it may be more tokenism than real change.
One day doesn’t reflect the reality of menstrual health pain and symptoms vary widely, and conditions like endometriosis can last several days. Such policies can also backfire if employers view them as a burden, affecting hiring or promotions. Moreover, they often exclude informal workers and risk reinforcing stigma by treating menstruation as a disability rather than a normal biological process.
True progress, experts say, means broader support: flexible work options, access to medical care, insurance for menstrual disorders, and inclusive policies that cover all who menstruate. Most importantly, workplaces must foster open, stigma-free cultures that respect women’s health needs beyond a single day off.
“A single day off a month may look like a gesture, but for many women it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Real progress must account for pain that spans days, for disorders unseen, and for equity beyond just the formal office.”
By
HB Team
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