The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) welcomes the decision taken by the Karnataka State Cabinet to implement the Menstrual Leave Policy in the state and to provide one day of paid menstrual leave to women employees of all sections and sectors. This will help in removing the negative perception about menstruation and the physical and mental stress that women face during this time to some extent.
Unfortunately, the state cabinet did not accept the recommendation of the Stae Law Commission that menstrual leave should be given for two days.
AIDWA urges the state government to immediately make the rules for speedy implementation and make it mandatory for all departments and institutions to follow this policy, which will be implemented through the State Labour Department.
AIDWA demands that this provision of menstrual leave be extended to the education sector and make it applicable to female students in schools, colleges and institutions of higher education.
AIDWA deplores former Union Minister Smriti Irani's statement opposing menstrual leave for women showing her insensitivity towards women who face difficulties during menstruation.
