Karnataka has made history by becoming the first Indian state to offer paid menstrual leave to all working women in formal jobs. The policy allows women aged 18 to 52 in government and private companies to take one day off each month for menstruation, without requiring a medical certificate.
The new policy is expected to benefit between 350,000 and 400,000 women in the formal sector. However, it does not cover the estimated six million women working as domestic workers, daily-wage laborers, or gig workers in the informal sector. Experts have suggested that menstrual leave should be extended to these groups to ensure wider inclusivity.
Santosh Lad, Karnataka’s labour minister, called it “one of the most progressive policy decisions for women that the government is implementing.” Industry bodies such as Nasscom confirmed that many IT and BPO companies in Karnataka already provide menstrual leave, so implementing the new law is unlikely to pose significant challenges.
While the policy has been welcomed by unions and educators, some women express concerns about its social acceptance. In many parts of India, menstruation is still taboo, with women facing stigma and limited public discussion about their periods. Social scientists point out that addressing this stigma is crucial for the policy’s success.
Despite potential challenges, supporters say the policy is an important step toward empowering women. Shreya Shree, a Bengaluru teacher, noted, “Calling it menstrual leave helps in fighting the stigma.” Sapna S, head of Karnataka’s menstrual leave committee, urged women not to feel apologetic about using the leave, emphasizing the need to challenge deep-rooted social conditioning.
Globally, countries like Japan, Spain, South Korea, and Indonesia already offer menstrual leave. Some Indian states, such as Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala, provide limited leave for government employees. Karnataka’s initiative is significant for including private sector workers and applying to women regardless of job type or contract, marking a progressive step toward gender-sensitive workplace policies.
