For the first time in the history of India , Prime Minister talked about sanitary pads very openly in the public forum on the occasion of Independence Day speech at lalquilla ground on 15th August 2020. This speech is truly a progressive idea. Now , this made menstruation a mainstream topic. Undoubtedly this is very welcome move among our conservative society where this has never been openly talking. Due to taboo, women of all age groups under the menstruation time are suffering silently. At the earlier time they are keeping aloof at least for three days. They had not given any permission to do any household work including the worship of God either at temples or houses. In this way, at the menstruation time, women spontaneously got relief from the physical hardship and they received time to relax.
Time changed, women go outside to join a different sector for a job. For the first time questions were raised after the announcement of Zomato's paid leave for periods. Company employees can apply for period leave through a human resources portal
For decades menstruation has been a barrier to women's equality.
The monthly menstruation cycle can cause a variety of painful symptoms that continue with each cycle until menopause typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55.
The period leave is considered a bold move in talking an age old taboo in India where 77% of young women remain unaware of menstruation until their first cycle. Zomato Company's founder said, there should not be any shame or stigma attached to applying for a period leave. One should feel free to tell people on internal groups or emails that you are on your period leave for the day. This factor had drawn a focus point around the world . Every one praised by social media users and women's rights advocates.
For centuries , menstruation has been a point of barriers to women's equality. Several women experience excruciating pain and cramps when they menstruate. Some to the extent that they cannot focus on work. These cycle symptoms can include pelvic and lower back pain, headaches and mood swings caused by a fluctuation in hormonal levels. Period related pains is very common world wide . It often affects school and workplace performance and grows worse with age.Women are facing discrimination at work place and are forced to suffer menstrual pain in silence in the work place or lose pay by staying home.
In India menstruation is remained as a taboo that causes real harm . Superstitions are also there which hamper the women emotionally and physically . Period leave is not a concession or an excuse to empower women. As menstruation is a taboo. Its a time we normalize it. It compels to drive the national conversation. There is an enormous number of menstruators who work in the unorganized labor sector as domestic workers and no houses give them a day off when they have their periods.
This period leave will help in normalizing periods and period talk. Some advocates on this topic that its important to create a environment of healthy co- existence rather than denying the difference completely. Major arguments in this matter agreeing
this is a step in the right direction . It is now a necessity for everyone.Because women do not talk enough about how painful periods can be for some of them. It is comforting to stay at home when you are bleeding. Women should not feel ashamed on menstruating either should it diminish her confidence . It also should not make working feel weak while availing the leave . This step will help remove the taboo around menstruation.
