New Delhi: In a decisive stance taken in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister Smriti Irani expressed her opposition to the concept of introducing mandatory paid menstrual leave for women employees. Responding to a query by MP Manoj Kumar Jha, Irani outlined her perspective that menstruation should not be considered a disability warranting special leave privileges. She stressed that menstruation is a natural aspect of a woman’s life and should not be treated as an obstacle.
Irani cautioned against the potential unintended consequences of such a policy, suggesting that it might inadvertently contribute to workplace discrimination against women by reinforcing negative stereotypes or biases held by those unfamiliar with menstruation. Despite her opposition to paid period leave, she acknowledged the importance of menstrual hygiene. She informed the house about a draft national policy, in collaboration with various stakeholders, aimed at enhancing awareness and accessibility to proper menstrual hygiene management.
This is a perfect way to call off bluff by pseudo feminists.
Menstrual leave will put female employees in a great disadvantage via a vis a male employee in the recruitment process.
Good to see WCD minister @smritiirani taking a pragmatic and practical view on this matter pic.twitter.com/Bsy6pLE8Yl
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) December 14, 2023
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is spearheading the formulation of this policy. Irani also highlighted the ‘Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Management’ scheme, designed to educate adolescent girls.
Irani clarified that her comments reflected her viewpoint, stating, “Given today women are opting for more and more economic opportunities, I will just put my personal view on this as I’m not the officiating ministry. We should not propose issues where women are in some way denied an equal opportunity just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation,” in response to the question posed by Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha.
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