Should menstrual leaves be made mandatory in India? Expert talk

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Dr. Madhuri Vidhyashankar P, a renowned gynecologist, from Bengaluru, talks to DNW regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding menstrual leave policies. She emphasizes the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, affecting 40-50% of young girls and 50-60% of women in the reproductive age group.

Dr. Madhuri points out that, while some may experience prolonged and severe pain due to conditions like adenomyosis or endometriosis, blanket menstrual leave policies may not be universally beneficial. 

Dr Madhuri highlights the availability of effective medications, ranging from mild analgesics to advanced treatments, which can alleviate menstrual discomfort for 80-90% of women. She requests for an individualized approach to menstrual leave, considering the varying needs of women based on their health conditions. 

Dr Madhuri talks about changing perceptions of menstruation, noting stark differences between rural and urban areas. Rural women often view menstruation as a divine and anticipated occurrence, while urban women are well-informed and open about discussing it. She acknowledges the positive shift in attitudes, attributed to comprehensive sex education. 

Addressing the use of pills during menstruation, Dr Madhuri assures that, when prescribed by a gynecologist, these medications are safe and essential for managing conditions like dysmenorrhea.

She advocates for open-mindedness among parents and society to allow young girls to manage their pain effectively. 

She also touches upon the potential impact of menstruation-related issues on women’s productivity at work. Discrimination based on menstruation could disincentivise employers from hiring female workers, perpetuating gender bias. 

Dr Madhuri concludes with a discussion on menstrual hygiene in India. She commends recent initiatives like reduced GST on sanitary napkins and the availability of affordable pads through government schemes. She stresses on the importance of comprehensive sex education, awareness, and eradication of social taboos for holistic menstrual hygiene practices across the country. 

Disclaimer: This story has been edited by DNW staff as per DNW editorial guidelines and is published from a syndicated feed.