Union Minister Smriti Irani opposes the notion of compulsory paid menstrual leave for women workers. In a recent session in the Rajya Sabha, she expressed her view that menstruation is a natural aspect of life and doesn’t warrant special leave arrangements.
Irani emphasized that menstruation should be acknowledged as a normal part of a woman’s life journey, not a condition that necessitates special considerations.
Smriti Irani Opposing Paid Period Leave
Union Minister Smriti Irani emphasized on Wednesday that menstruation should not be considered a “handicap” and, therefore, there is no need for a dedicated “paid leave” policy. This statement came during her address in the Rajya Sabha, responding to a query from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) member Manoj Kumar Jha regarding the menstrual hygiene policy in the country.
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Smriti Irani Addressing Equality in Workplace
Cautioning against the potential for discrimination against women in the workplace due to menstrual leave, Smriti Irani emphasized the need to avoid situations where women face unequal opportunities simply because someone without menstrual experiences holds a specific perspective.
Nevertheless, recognizing the significance of menstrual hygiene, Irani revealed the creation of a preliminary national policy by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This policy, crafted in partnership with various stakeholders, seeks to enhance awareness and ensure widespread access to effective menstrual hygiene management practices throughout the nation.
Smriti Irani Empowering Menstrual Hygiene
The Union Minister highlighted the ‘Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)’ scheme, focusing on girls aged 10 to 19. Supported by the National Health Mission, it aims to boost awareness through education programs. This announcement follows a recent report in Parliament, stating that menstrual leave is a health issue under the health ministry’s examination.
Menstrual leave has sparked debates, with Spain being the first in Europe to grant paid leave for painful periods. In India, there’s no government proposal for mandatory paid menstrual leave, as clarified by Irani in response to a question from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on December 8.
Kangana Ranaut on Smriti Irani’s Opposition to Paid Menstrual Leave
Kangana Ranaut, responding to the union women and child development (WCD) minister’s remarks, shared her perspective on Instagram Stories.
The actor, known for her role in the patriotic film Tejas, challenged the notion of a ‘working woman’ as a myth, asserting that women have always been actively involved in various tasks, from farming to household chores, without hindering their commitment to family, community, or nation.
Kangana argued against the necessity of paid leave for periods, distinguishing it from a medical condition, emphasizing that menstruation is a natural occurrence and not an illness or handicap.
Smriti Irani Opposing Paid Period Leave FAQs
Q.1. What is Smriti Irani’s perspective on menstruation?
Ans. Smriti Irani believes that menstruation should not be deemed a ‘handicap’ and opposes the idea of a dedicated ‘paid leave’ policy for women.
Q.2. What is Kangana Ranaut’s response to Smriti Irani’s remarks?
Ans. Kangana Ranaut, reacting to Smriti Irani’s comments, shared her views on Instagram Stories, challenging the concept of a ‘working woman’ and emphasizing that women have always been engaged in various tasks without the need for specific policies.
Q.3. What does Kangana Ranaut say about women and work?
Ans. Kangana asserts that the idea of a ‘working woman’ is a myth, highlighting that women have consistently been involved in activities such as farming and household chores without compromising their dedication to family, community, or nation.
Q.4. Why does Kangana Ranaut oppose paid leave for periods?
Ans. Kangana argues that women do not need paid leave for periods unless it is a specific medical condition. She emphasizes that menstruation is a natural occurrence and should not be considered an illness or handicap.
Q.5. What is the overall discourse surrounding women and work in the discussed context?
Ans. The ongoing discussion explores varying perspectives on the portrayal of a ‘working woman’ and the necessity of a dedicated ‘paid leave’ policy for women, with insights from both Smriti Irani and Kangana Ranaut.
