SHOULD WOMEN BE GIVEN PAID LEAVE IN MENSTRUATING DAYS OR NOT ?
Why is menstruation health is not considered with utmost seriousness? Why women are not provided with better facilities in their work places? Should paid leave be provided to women in work places during menstruating days? Why menstrual health problems are not observed deeply by doctors? Can this taboo normalized? above everything ,does a woman take care of her own menstrual health and hygiene ?
Bhubaneswar (The Quiver)On Saturday: Whole world is celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day . Every year may 28 is observed as world Menstrual Hygiene Day to create awareness about menstruation, provide safe and hygiene practices to woman. But by considering only menstrual hygiene we are missing out a major area which plays a vital role when it comes to menstruation that is menstrual health.
We are living in modern era of 2022 , still menstruation is considered as taboo today. Women even fear to openly confront about the problems and discomforts faced by them at the time of menstruating. So these issues of women remains under-reported every time and no one consider the matter to be taken seriously. In cases, it is found even the gynecologists do not take the menstrual health problems with seriousness, mostly they prescribe painkillers instead of taking a deep observation of the patient’s problem . A woman health is mostly neglected when she is on the work field at the time of menstruating. No proper food, lack of access to proper toilets, restrooms added with severe menstrual cramps, tiredness and bloating worsen her situation making it a challenge for her to manage in working field.
According to an article of Economic Times Health world.com , over 68% women have severe period -related symptoms such as cramps , tiredness and bloating . Of various symptoms ,over 47% women reported having cramps. Around 49% women reported being tired and 28% women complained of being bloated during cycles. Almost all women reported having mood swings at some point of their cycle. The corresponding data for rest of the world also shows a similar pattern with cramps , tiredness and bloating as the common symptoms reported by women.
Menstrual hygiene is one of the most important ,yet neglected ,health issues in the developing world. In India, approximately 70% of all reproductive diseases are caused by poor menstrual health and hygiene.
During such times, Ranjeeta Priyadarshini from Sambalpur has came forward to bring the matter of women interest to the surface. She has been brave to launched an online campaign urging Union Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav to provide paid leave to all women at workplaces as women struggle with various problems during the time of menstruation. Ranjeeta demanded to provide paid leave to all women employees at government and private organisations who are on their periods.
Ranjeeta who is presently perusing LLM said, “Women constitute nearly a third of the workforce in India. One of the most under-reported reasons is discomfort from being on the ground while menstruating. I have encountered in numerous cases where women workers suffered during their periods while at work due to lack of access to proper toilets, restrooms and many more.”
“I have launched the online campaign ‘SIGN my petition’ urging the Union Labour Ministry to implement a no-questions-asked, paid monthly period leave for all women workers in the country. According to Article 15 (3) and Article 42 of the Constitution, the state shall create special provisions for women providing just and humane conditions for work,” added Ranjeeta.
“If widely introduced, women, transgenders and non-binary workers who menstruate stand to gain direct pathways to rest when they need it most, be happier and more productive at work as a result and find it easier to remain in the labour market. There should be no shame or stigma attached to requesting a period leave. A monthly menstrual cycle paid leave, if passed, will provide a more healthy working environment for all workers who menstruate,” she claimed.
At present, 12 companies are offering paid leave to women employees during their periods. Then why this rule cannot be implemented at all government and private offices in the country, she questioned.
“I demand respect for me and all women workers, because we are the backbone of our Indian economy,” she said while urging everyone to sign and share the petition widely.
In this day , we want to convey our readers that if you face some health issues regarding menstrual health don’t hesitate to consult a certified gynecologist, take proper health tips and guidance if needed. Take up healthy food and strictly avoid junk foods during the time of menstruating. Carry some disinfectants spray to use in unclean toilets.Remember your own health is on your own hands .
