Karnataka introduces menstrual leave for working women

India’s Karnataka state has for the first time introduced paid menstrual leave for working women. The policy was officially announced on Wednesday.

Under the new rule, women aged 18 to 52 in both government and private sectors may take one day of menstrual leave each month. The leave must be used in that month and no medical certificate is required – The Times of India.

Around 350,000 to 400,000 women in the formal sector will receive the benefit. However, domestic workers, day labourers and nearly six million women in the informal sector are not included.

Experts believe the rule should also be extended to women in the informal sector. Still, Karnataka’s move is considered an important development for southern India, as private-sector women have been included for the first time.

Menstrual leave is not a new concept. Countries such as Spain, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia have long provided this benefit. Some Indian states also offer limited forms of the leave.