Give every working woman the right to two paid menstrual-health days each month. For many women, periods aren't just a few uncomfortable days. They can come with severe cramps, back pain, headaches, fatigue, nausea and other symptoms that can make it genuinely difficult to work. Yet when that happens, a woman may have to use her regular leave, explain something deeply personal to her manager, or simply show up and work through the pain. 

We don't think that should be the choice. We're asking for a simple, practical change: Two paid menstrual-health days every month, available when needed.

The leave should be:

• Optional: women who don't need it don't have to take it.
• Paid: taking care of your health shouldn't mean losing income.
• Separate from regular leave: women shouldn't have to use their sick or casual leave for menstrual health.
• Confidential: no one should have to explain or prove their menstrual cycle to their manager.
• Protected: taking legitimate menstrual-health leave should not affect pay, performance reviews, promotions or job security.

But we also need to get the policy right. We understand that employers, particularly small businesses, may be concerned about the additional cost. That's why we believe the Government should explore shared-cost support, tax benefits, reimbursements or other mechanisms for smaller employers, rather than placing the entire burden on individual businesses. We also recognise the concern that menstrual leave could unintentionally reinforce the idea that women are less capable or reliable at work. The policy must do the opposite.

Taking menstrual-health leave should never be treated as a sign of lower commitment or productivity, and employers should not be allowed to discriminate against women because of it.

And we don't believe women should have to provide medical certificates or undergo invasive checks to prove they are menstruating. Just as with other forms of routine health-related leave, the system should be based on trust, confidentiality and reasonable safeguards against abuse.

India has already seen states and organisations take steps towards menstrual leave: Bihar has provided two days of paid menstrual leave every month for state government employees since 1992. Odisha provides an additional day of casual leave each month to women state government employees. Karnataka introduced one paid menstrual-leave day every month across both government and private-sector establishments in 2025. Kerala has introduced menstrual leave for female students and ITI trainees, while some institutions in Sikkim have adopted their own provisions.

But these efforts remain fragmented. 

Now it's time to develop a fair, practical national framework. Access should not depend on the state you live in, the organisation you work for, or whether your employer has chosen to offer it. 

The whole idea is about recognising something simple: 

• Sometimes your body needs a break.
• Menstruation is normal.
• Period pain is real.
• Rest should be a legitimate choice.

Two days. Every month. When needed.

Sign this petition and ask the Government of India to create a national menstrual-health leave framework that supports women without creating new barriers to their employment.

Let's make workplaces more humane, without making them less equal.