Discussion of menstruation is largely taboo in our society. The stigma around it has resulted in a lack of information being shared between generations, and unfortunately, men and society fail to recognise the excruciating symptoms and pain. Social media is shaking up the period taboo, there have been some pioneering campaigns and moments that have made people stop and listen. Positive or negative, a response is still a sign that somebody has paid attention. These discussions in the public domain make ‘period talk’ more mainstream.
Thanks to extensive discussion and acceptance of the issue, these Indian organisations have decided to give paid leaves to their female employees. India is not the first country to consider period leave or time off for female staff. In fact, in many countries like Japan, South Korea and Italy menstrual leave is part of women employees’ leave policy.
Culture Machine
Culture Machine, a Mumbai-based digital media startup, was one of the first companies to offer paid menstrual leave. The company allows its employees the first day of their periods off. The company adopted the First Day of Period (FOP) Leave in 2017.
Zomato
Zomato declared that female and transgender employees would be able to take up to 10 days of paid "period leave" every year as part of an attempt to eradicate menstrual stigma.
BYJU'S
To create a fair and balanced work culture, BYJU'S has introduced periods leave for women who are experiencing cramps and discomfort. As part of this, women employees in BYJU’S can now avail up to 12 Period Leaves in a year. Each month, one PEL will be credited; and women employees can either take a day off every month or avail two half-day leaves.
Swiggy
Online food delivery company Swiggy has taken a unique initiative for its female food delivery partners. Swiggy has announced to give two days monthly off to its women delivery partners.
Mathrumbhumi
In 2017 after Mumbai-based startup, Culture Machine, Malayalam media organisation Mathrubhumi allowed its women employees to stay at home on the first day of their menstrual cycle. Mathrubhumi’s top management said that the decision taken by Culture Machine prompted them to come up with such a policy.
FlyMyBiz
FlyMyBiz, a digital media company has introduced menstruation leave for its women employees, who will get one day off each month in a year.
Gozoop Online Pvt Ltd
This year, Gozoop, a Mumbai-based digital media company, implemented an official menstrual leave policy that includes a work-from-home option every month.
Wet & Dry
A New Delhi-based feminine hygiene products maker Wet & Dry Personal Care started to allow its women employees to take two days off during their menstrual cycles. “Based on medical recommendations, we are offering two days off a month for our women employees. This is to ensure that they are comfortable and don’t have to endure pain while in office,” W&D chief executive officer Pankaj Garg said. The women can also avail of leave with pay and work from home, the company said in a press note.
iVIPANAN
In 2020, following Zomato's footsteps, a Surat-based digital marketing company iVIPANAN said it would give 12 days of period leave per year to women employees.
Horses Stable News
This Bengaluru-based start-up with 60 per cent of women employees has introduced a policy that allows them to take two days of paid leave and offers an allowance of ₹250 to help ease through the stress during that specific time and called it 'Nay to Yay'.
Magzter
Magzter, a company based in Chennai, has begun providing paid period leave to its women staff.
IndustryARC
IndustryARC, a three-year-old start-up in Hyderabad, has implemented a policy that lets women employees take time off during their periods if they need it.