I remember being so traumatised when other women shamed me for talking about period pain. While attending a class, I was called to the supervisor’s office where I was scolded for not paying attention. It didn’t help when I told them about my really painful menstrual cramps.

And this apathy about a woman’s periods is also evident at the workplace. Menstrual leaves are still an evolving concept, with only a few chosen startups such as Zomato offering period leaves to their employees. In other places, on days when the period pain is so intense that it’s difficult to get out of bed, women have to make use of their 20-odd privilege leaves (PLs) a year to take a day of rest.

Sign my petition to ask companies to allow women to work from home (WFH) during their periods. Rest/ Work from home for 2 days during periodic cycles should be part of right to life with dignity. This petition just asks for two days a month work from home that to with an option, if you want take no one should question you, if you don't want its upto you. Demand of the petition , 'not question any woman if she ask's for work from home for two days a month during menstrual cycle so that her mandatory leaves are not wasted in this, it should be an option in every office / work space'. Incases where work from home is not possible create a comfortable office space (not asking for luxury sofas or beds)where one can sit in comfort, instead of cramped spaces. There should be rest room/corner in every office with adequate medical facilitates, such as hot water bags, medicines, tea/coffee facility, in places where work from home is not possible. 

I’ve been told so many things by so many women, including those in my family. Some tell me that my menstrual cramps happen because I’m unfit. But look it up on the internet. Over 50% of Indian women experience menstrual cramps, with Meftal being their go-to-weapon during that time of the month.

The pandemic has taught us that in the digital age, most of us can fulfil our professional responsibilities from the comfort of our homes. I work in public relations and can easily make my client calls while working from home, skipping the long commute and nursing my menstrual cramps.

Several new-age startups have gone ahead and started offering period leaves to employees. But given the mindset of Indian employers and the state of women employment in India, I think such a move could disincentivize companies from employing women. The solution that seems obvious to me is mandating 2 days WFH for women employees during their periods, if they don't want its fine if they want don't question. 

20 years ago, in 1992, the Bihar government offered 2 days of period leaves a month to their women employees, which shows that this is a policy step that has always been essential, but is only now being talked about.

Sign this petition to demand work from home for women during periods as an option! And know that every woman around you, be it your mother, your daughter, your sister, your girlfriend, or your wife, would relate with this cause. Support this movement for the women in your life! 

Image credits: Livemint