Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday announced one paid menstrual leave per month for all women employees in the state in a move towards gender-inclusive workplace policies.
The state cabinet has decided to implement the policy in government departments, garment industries, multinational companies, IT firms, and other private sector organisations in the state.
It aims at ensuring the health and well-being of working women alongside encouraging inclusive work environment.
‘The decision was taken keeping in mind the health and well-being of working women and to encourage a more inclusive and supportive work environment. The initiative also aims to spread awareness about menstrual health and ensure physical and mental comfort for women employees,’ the cabinet note reportedly said.
The initiative, according to Law Minister HK Patil, would bring significant relief to women employees, saying ‘It will be helpful to women. The policy has been successful in other states, and we have decided to adopt it’.
Karnataka joins states such as Bihar, Odisha, Kerala, and Sikkim, which have already implemented menstrual leave policies.
Private companies, including Zomato, Swiggy, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Byju’s, and Gozoop, have already announced paid menstrual leave for their employees.
Women's rights activist Brinda Adige welcomed the government’s decision saying that it is ‘a commendable step toward recognising the genuine health needs of women in the workplace’.
‘While the informal sector remains a challenge, this initiative lays a vital foundation for broader health empowerment, enabling increased female participation and fostering inclusive state growth,’ she said.