Karnataka has introduced one-day paid menstrual leave for women across government and private sectors, marking a major shift in workplace inclusion and women’s health rights.
Karnataka has made a bold move to support women’s health and workplace inclusion by approving a menstrual leave policy that allows all working women, government and private employees, to take one paid day off every month during their period, totaling 12 days a year.
Unlike earlier policies in states such as Bihar, Odisha, and Kerala, which are limited to government employees or students, Karnataka’s initiative applies statewide across all sectors, recognising the reality that most women in India work in the private or informal sector. This makes it the first state in India to extend menstrual leave beyond public sector offices.
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Other Indian states:
• Bihar: Two days per month, only for government employees.
• Odisha: Similar public sector-only policy.
• Kerala: Leave for female students and some government staff.
Private sector adoption: Companies like Zomato, Acer India, Byju’s, Swiggy, and Culture Machine already provide menstrual leave. For example, Zomato offers 10 days per year, while Acer India recently introduced one paid day per month.
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Global perspective: Menstrual leave is still rare worldwide:
• Japan: Since 1947, often unpaid and underutilised due to stigma.
• South Korea: One unpaid day per month.
• Indonesia: Two paid days.
• Zambia: One paid day.
• Spain: First European country to legalise paid menstrual leave in 2023.
• Taiwan & Vietnam: Offer menstrual leave in some form.
Karnataka’s policy is a landmark move, recognising the importance of women’s health and workplace inclusion. By applying to all employees and sectors, the state is setting a national benchmark and joining a small but growing global list of regions offering menstrual leave. This initiative could transform workplaces, making them more supportive, inclusive, and aware of the challenges faced by women employees.
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