11/27/2025
A few weeks ago, we quizzed people on which countries offered paid menstrual leaves to their female employees. We're thrilled to see another one join the list!
The southern Indian state of Karnataka, becomes the first Indian state to offer paid menstrual leave to female employees.
Under the new policy, women aged 18 to 52 working in government and private companies can take one day of menstrual leave every month, which cannot be carried forward. No medical certificate is required to avail the leave, BBC explains.
This comes as a surprisingly bold move considering India's complicated relationship with menstruation. The stigma is still very strong: to this day, women are not allowed to pray in some temples while menstruating.
Still, a spokesperson for the Karnataka menstrual leave committee, Sapna S, stands firm behind the decision.
“What is needed is an attack on the social conditioning that exists. Women should not be apologetic or shy to ask for menstrual leave,” she said.
May this bold move spark little fires of change all throughout India, and perhaps, the world.