The Cochin University of Science and Technology recently made a pioneering effort by establishing the concept of the menstruation break for female academics to receive a 2% additional condonation of attendance in each term under menstruation perks’. Dr. R Bindu, Kerala’s Education Minister, was quick to reply, declaring that menstrual leave for female academics will be extended to all institutions in the state.
According to the Business Standard, “Considering the mental and physical difficulties faced by female students during menstruation, the Kerala government is planning to extend this to all universities under the State Higher Education Department,” Bindu said in a press release issued from her office on January 17.
Reasons behind the move
Individuals who have never had menstruation feel it is barely more than an abdominal discomfort that goes away fast. But if you’ve ever had menstruation, you’ll understand that’s not the case. Cramping, contractions, and body pains are the most common symptoms during shark week, and they might progress to nausea, headache, and breast tenderness. We haven’t even touched on how quickly mood changes occur. The degree of symptoms varies by individual, but the basic reality is that menstruation affects every woman’s body, emotions, and feelings for one week each month. Even Dr R Bindu empathised, “I know very well the difficulties faced by female students during those days.”
Only learners who have attended 75% of the overall working days are typically permitted to sit for each semester assessment. With menstruation leave providing a 2% excuse for lack of attendance, the required attendance for female students would be reduced to 73%. According to the university, a request on behalf of the CUSAT Students’ Union and other student organisations was formally presented to the Vice-Chancellor and authorised, following which an order was issued.
When you had a sickness or diarrhoea, you would request a day off, so why should menstrual problems be any different? Women may have silently pushed through their routines for years without much outcry about their periods, but circumstances have changed. Their obligations extend both inside and beyond the home. Therefore, paying attention to their bodies to carry out their duties is only normal. There is a greater emphasis on women’s rights, and we are pleased that politicians protect female bodies and their functions. It’s a breakthrough law that benefits the female populace, and we all understand how much more of them the country needs.
Let’s talk about the situations of other states
Since 1992, the Bihar administration has provided women professionals with two days of paid menstrual leave, during which they are allowed to select any date of the month for a day off without presenting a reason. Culture Machine’s Mumbai site also provides a menstruation break.
The Supreme Court of India contended in the landmark matter of S. L. Bhagwati vs Union of India and Ors. to support women obtaining menstrual breaks to look after their health and households. Women should have had this basic right since 1992, yet many businesses still need to give it.
