To leave or not to leave?

Period!

Written by: Akhila Mohan

Edited by: Ritika Rana

“When she bleeds the smells I know change colour. There is iron in her soul on those days. She smells like a gun.”-Jeanette Winterson

India is a country that has testified a progressive growth in almost all sectors in the past years. But when it comes to topics like “Menstruation”, there’s a long hush that we witness. It is something that is not addressed publically and is supposed to be scandalous. Such taboos need to be changed.

The debate on “Menstruation Benefit Bill”  tabled by Ninong Ering, Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha representing Arunachal Pradesh in 2018, triggered a widespread discussion on the need to have menstrual leave for working women every month.

It tals on providing working women in public and private sectors two days leave (paid/unpaid) and also proper workplace rest during the process. But many of the women find it difficult to accept the Bill since they think such kind of laws can make them face biases in terms of work, salary and promotions. They would be treated as a second option when compared with the fellows.

Therefore, women should be punished because of their biological framework. Equality in the workplace is something where the conditions are improved for both men and women and not that which are accepted or rejected based on the decisions from the higher authorities convenience. The difference that is faced should be rescinded only then can such bills and laws can be passed, and it needs to be treated sensibly because pain is something that is experienced differently by different people.Recently, Zomato, the famous food delivery company gave its female employees up to days of period leave.

In a country where “Menstruation” is treated with disgust and contempt, something that is not outspoken should adopt in such bills and policies in order for the development and growth of the nation.