Paid Menstrual Leave: Hampering Gender Equality?

Context:

This editorial is based on the news “A demand that could hamper gender equality” which was published in the Hindu. This article raises challenges that women would face in providing paid menstrual leave. It highlights that such a mandate would negatively impact the long battle of women for gender equality and societal taboos of menstruation. 

Paid Menstrual Leave- A Potential Factor Would Result in Widening Gender Gap

• On Demand for Paid Menstruation Leave: Menstrual cycles can be challenging, but to collectively label all those belonging to a gender without considering the potential adverse effects, is trivializing the women empowerment movement.
• On Special Status: If the government ratifies ‘special status’ for menstruating women, it validates the social stigma around menstruation. It would exacerbate period shaming in a country where large swathes of people consider menstruation to be ‘impure’.
• The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021: As per the report, the gender global gap has widened. In the current situation, it would take the world 135.6 years to achieve gender equality. If one adds mandatory paid leave for periods to this, it would end up further dissuading companies from hiring women.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS) Report: It has highlighted that approximately 50% of women between the ages of 15 to 24 in India continue to rely on the use of cloth for menstrual protection, attributing this practice to a combination of insufficient awareness and societal taboo around menstruation. 
  • Girls are often compelled to leave school or face social exclusion.

Earlier Severe Experiences of India

• The Case of Sabarimala Temple: It was unfathomable that menstruating women were deemed ‘unfit’ to enter a temple. This was a case that highlighted the ongoing struggle to eliminate discriminatory practices related to menstruation, and to promote gender equality.
• In 2020: 66 girl students in an institute in Bhuj in Kutch, Gujarat, were forced to strip to check who was menstruating. 
• In 2017: 70 girls in a residential school in Muzaffarnagar were compelled to undress by staff to check for menstruation.

The Case of Japan: 

• Unpaid & Unused: Japan provides menstrual leave for painful menstruation- but it is mostly unpaid and unused. Women claim that they are reluctant to avail this leave and broadcast that they are on their period, for the fear of sexual harassment and as per data, only 0.9% avail menstrual leave. 
• As per the World Economic Forum’s ranking in 2019, Japan ranked 121 out of 153 in terms of gender equality and has slipped to the 125th position in 2023. 
  • There women are less likely to be employed (even with the same credentials and have higher education levels) than men, and are often paid less.

Conclusion

• Impact on Gender Equality & Women Empowerment: In the recent past, women have fought to be on the front line in a war. Granting special status to menstruation would aim to create subject awareness, but this would only magnify it. It could turn out to be another well-meaning step, but one that ends up widening the gender gap inadvertently. 
• Time to Recognize Individual Case: Recognising the diverse nature of menstrual experiences is essential. Tailoring support and being accommodative on a case-by-case basis promotes inclusivity, while also addressing the individual needs of those navigating their difficult periods.

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