Dharmashastra National Law University, located in the serene Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, has taken a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive and empathetic academic environment. In a move that aligns with the evolving demands of gender equality and sensitivity, the university has introduced menstrual leave for its female students.
Period Leave: A Much-Needed Respite
The recent announcement regarding menstrual leave is aimed at providing female students with a supportive and stress-free atmosphere during their menstrual cycle. This thoughtful initiative was unveiled last Friday and was put into practice during the ongoing five-month semester.
Dr. Shailesh N Hadli, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the Law University, expressed that this progressive move was a response to the persistent advocacy by students, including the Student Bar Association, who had been championing menstrual leave since the previous year. After careful consideration and consultation with the Dean of Student Welfare, the university decided to incorporate menstrual leave into the six leaves granted to students each semester, which can be utilized for various purposes, including participation in cultural events.
Nationwide Demand for Period Leave
The call for menstrual leave for women, both in educational institutions and workplaces, has been resonating across the nation. However, definitive actions on this front have remained elusive as governments grapple with the policy implications. Earlier this year, a Public Interest Litigation urging state governments to establish regulations for menstrual leave garnered attention in the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the court deemed it a matter within the policy domain of the government and thus outside its purview.
Central Government’s Perspective
The Central Government had previously articulated its stance on the issue, asserting that it had not contemplated the provision of mandatory menstrual leave in all workplaces. Health State Minister Bharati Pravin Pawar, in a Lok Sabha statement, emphasized that menstruation is a natural physiological occurrence and that a minority of women and girls experience severe discomfort. She underscored the government’s commitment to promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls aged 10-19 through schemes backed by the National Health Mission.
Dharmashastra National Law University’s decision to introduce menstrual leave underscores its commitment to creating a more inclusive and empathetic educational space. By taking this step, the university sets a significant precedent for other educational institutions and organizations to follow, further advancing the cause of gender sensitivity and equality.
