BENGALURU: Authorities in India’s southern state of Karnataka on Thursday approved a landmark policy granting women one day of paid menstrual leave each month — a move hailed as a “historic” step toward workplace inclusivity and gender equality.
The policy, which applies to women employed in both government and private sector organisations, provides up to 12 days of paid leave per year.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the decision as “a step towards a more humane, understanding, and inclusive workplace.”
“Our government stands committed to dignity and wellbeing at work,” he said in a statement following the cabinet’s approval.
Karnataka, home to over 60 million people and India’s technology hub Bengaluru, has seen a steady rise in women’s participation in the labour force.
According to a report by the Institute of What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE), rural female participation in the workforce increased from 28.2% to 43.5% between 2017–18 and 2023–24, while urban participation rose from 22% to 28.8% over the same period.
India currently lacks a national menstrual leave policy, though states such as Bihar and Kerala have implemented limited versions for specific sectors.
Globally, countries including Japan, Indonesia, and Spain have enacted menstrual leave laws, though enforcement and access vary widely.
With Karnataka’s decision, advocates hope more Indian states — and eventually the central government — will follow suit to improve workplace conditions and normalize menstrual health discussions.
