Menstruation is not just about a woman bleeding for 5 days from her vagina and wearing a pad. It is much more complex than that. While a section of women have ‘comfortable’ periods with little to no pain allowing them to go about their day, thousands of women face unbearable pain, nausea, vomiting, and weakness, which incapacitate them from being productive, especially at work. In addition to that, several women suffer from medical conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, Adenomyosis, etc. that turn those 5 days into a nightmare, making them unable to even get out of bed.
So when somebody asks if menstrual leaves are necessary, I say yes. It is the more empathetic and sensitive thing to do for any organization that values its employees’ well-being.
However, pertaining to menstrual leaves, Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister Smriti Irani recently stated that menstruation is not a “handicap” and that it shouldn’t warrant a specific policy for “paid leave”, reported Hindustan Times.
She said this while speaking at the Rajya Sabha about the menstrual hygiene policy in the country.
“As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is not a handicap, it’s a natural part of women’s life journey…We should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation,” she said.
Her statement has garnered significant criticism on social media, especially from women, who called her “patriarchal” and said that she is “dehumanizing” all those women who have to endure excessively painful period cramps. Here’s a look at what people have been saying online:
Maybe she's not aware but women suffer from PCOS, endometriosis and other issues with reproductive organs that cause excessive, almost unbearable pain for at least 2-3 days. Pain alone can make one feel like a handicap. Patriarchal women are even more dangerous than men. https://t.co/eDvcVcbVSY
— ??????? ???????? ☀️ (@UpasonaB) December 13, 2023
Irani hasn’t met anyone woman with endometriosis or uterine fibroids. These can be debilitating conditions. Why do RW women lack basic empathy and understanding?
Also to refer it to as handicap is nauseatingly offensive! https://t.co/q8VZ1WP7Rm
— @UrbanShrink ? (@UrbanShrink) December 14, 2023
I feel she is wrong. I mean I don’t want paid leave every month no one takes such leaves but one can take leaves like sick leaves when it’s too much. I mean I was going to faint during last period. It’s not just bleeding
— Bibuhere (@BGhonsalves) December 13, 2023
My girlfriend goes through unbearable pain for 2 days and remains constantly on pain relievers!
Surprisingly a women is saying like this!!
1 day paid period leave is not a bad move tbh!— AlterEgo (@sparrow_pri_45) December 13, 2023
Provide better washroom facilities, free access to sanitary napkins; maybe offices can provide atleast WFH option for the ones who need it.
— Sudakshina Das (@SuRia2) December 13, 2023
I think even she has a daughter. I know it’s not handicap but the pain girls go through is immense. At least 1-2 days rest they need. Period cramps are not normal cramps.
— Jo! (@Joe_VocalI) December 13, 2023
The pain I feel for the first two days lately is unbearable..
Somehow I manage to survive without pain killers but boy o boy these are the statements that make my blood boil on another level.— anushka (@Anushka_08) December 13, 2023
Sickness is not a handicap. Thats why there is something called “sick leave”.
Every body is different, some are fine and some are not able to even get up from bed for 2-3 days. https://t.co/ipbgwiSAQ4— Dee ♥️ (@deeptantalizing) December 14, 2023
Dehumanising all those who go through unbearable deadly cramps and uncontrolled bleeding for days. In a country where education doesn't matter to become a minister you get bunch of illiterates and incompetent people sitting in parliament. https://t.co/QIvF782AlM
— Tashi (@hopefulhumanist) December 14, 2023
I agree that it doesn't require paid leaves but comparing with a handicap is baseless. Even handicaps are not given paid leaves unless it is related to health issues. https://t.co/q25cwV0u3R
— ರಾಧಿಕ/Radhika (@radsgops01) December 14, 2023
#menstruation is not a handicap, but it can be challenging & painful for some #women. ? A policy for #paidleave could improve their health, dignity, & empowerment. #smritiirani https://t.co/B22yGy8ash
— Prem Sai ?? (@saiprem781) December 13, 2023
When I was younger I used to vomit whole day because of severe pain. I even have fainted due to excessive pain & vomiting. Till today I can't survive without painkillers. There are even studies that shows period pain are as painful as heart attack.#WomensHealth #Women https://t.co/MjL0hkWQ5H
— Stuti Naithani (@naithani_stuti) December 13, 2023
What are your views on her statement?