Recently, Smriti Irani while addressing the Rajya Sabha stated that menstruation is not a “handicap” and that India doesn’t need a specific policy for paid period leaves. This comes at a time when numerous people are advocating for period leaves for working women, especially those who suffer from ridiculously painful cramps or suffer from conditions like PCOD and endometriosis.
Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh took to social media to express her views on paid period leaves. She claimed that women have fought for centuries for equal opportunities and rights and period leaves might be a setback. Instead, she proposed an alternative – supporting work from home for those who are suffering from pain.
“We have fought for centuries for equal opportunities & women’s rights and now, fighting for period leave might set back the hard-earned equality. Imagine employers factoring in 12-24 fewer working days for female candidates. A better solution? Supporting work from home for those in pain,” Ghazal wrote.
Have a look at her post here:
We have fought for centuries for equal opportunities & women's rights and now, fighting for period leave might set back the hard-earned equality.
Imagine employers factoring in 12-24 fewer working days for female candidates.
A better solution? Supporting work from home for…
— Ghazal Alagh (@GhazalAlagh) December 14, 2023
Her suggestion attracted a varied range of reactions online. On the one hand, people supported her idea of providing the option of working from home for menstruating women experiencing painful cramps. But on the other hand, there were many who highlighted that organizations need to recognise the differences between both genders and work towards equity. There were also some who pointed out that such an option is only viable for women who work at an office. But what about those who work in the manufacturing, hotel, and aviation industries?
Here’s a look at some of the reactions online:
Our company is already offering that , this is basic.
— Shajan Samuel (@IamShajanSamuel) December 15, 2023
WFH good option
— Aashish Kumar (@aashish_dev) December 14, 2023
Equality is recognising the difference and enabling real parity. Orgs should pilot and see utilisation- not every female employee avails it. Our bodies are built different and this puts the workforce ahead by understanding what a diverse population may need and catering to it.
— Manyata Malhotra (AI/ML) (@batmanyata) December 14, 2023
Equity is the word.
— rofl (@RoflJi) December 15, 2023
How can you factor in manufacturing sector in the scheme of things. #WFH can only be successful in certain sectors.
Period leaves can very well be adjusted from SL and PL (PL in many cases remain unutilised).— Sunil Gaikwad (@sunilgaikwad76) December 15, 2023
Finally, someone coming up with solutions amidst a sea of complaints from both ends 👏
— Mishup (@FootieNerd) December 15, 2023
Flexiblitiy of working is way forward but long way to build that in indian work culture where still work life boundaries still a joke
— Mr. X (@WandererMrX) December 14, 2023
I understand from which state of point you are saying this but My sister is a bar tender and has be on her feet for her 12-13 hours job everyday. She can’t work from home and by your statements, for equality she should suffer from period cramps and ache and still be at work.
— Deepika Jain (@deepikamjain1) December 14, 2023
Co founder of @mamaearthindia thinks all working women have desk jobs in India. This happens when you are a co founder(If you know what I mean)
— TheUnbiasedGuy (@YourUnbiasedGuy) December 15, 2023
What are your views on this topic?