Can you imagine having a heart attack for three days straight while at work? I DO. Doctors have ruled that menstrual cramps are as painful as heart attacks. Women constitute nearly a third of the workforce in India. One of the most underreported reasons is discomfort from being on the ground while menstruating.

As a previous employee in the heavy metal industry, I have come across women workers who suffered during their periods while at work due to lack of access to proper toilets, period products etc. I too, as a working woman, have had to struggle while I bled because from a very young age, I was taught to push through this pain and keep working. According to research, some of the most common symptoms that menstruators deal with are cramps, backache, migraines etc.

SIGN my petition asking the Ministry of Labour to implement a no-questions-asked, paid monthly period leave for all women workers in the country. According to Article 15 (3) and Article 42 of the Indian Constitution, the state shall create special provisions for women providing just and humane conditions for work.

Working women in India face additional challenges because we are often unable to freely talk about periods or the pain we endure every month. It’s still a taboo in our society.

If widely introduced, women, transgender and non-binary workers who menstruate stand to gain direct pathways to rest when they need it most, be happier and more productive at work as a result and find it easier to remain in the labour market. There should be no shame or stigma attached to requesting a period leave. I believe, a monthly menstrual cycle paid leave, if passed, will provide a more healthy working environment for all workers who menstruate.

I and all the working women are worthy of this respect, because we are the backbone of our Indian economy. Sign the petition now and share widely.

#PaidPeriodLeave