Menstruation From Stigma To Normalization: Building Gender Inclusivity At The Workplace

Menstruation is a natural biological process, though it is considered taboo in society across the globe. The workplace should build an inclusive environment for the women who menstruate in discomfort. The stigma attached to menstruation is a man-made notion that needs to be addressed through effective laws and policies. Law is considered a tool to achieve justice, and policies are manifestations of the law through which the State is subject to fulfill the constitutional obligation. Neither international laws, conventions, treaties, nor national laws and policies effectively address the menstruation issue. However, there is scientific evidence and literature available which shows that women are suffering extreme pain during menstruation. Bihar was the only State in India that made a two-day menstruation leave policy in a month for public employment in the last decade of the twentieth century. Recently, a few law schools have been started to provide two days of menstrual leave for women in a month. Conversely, India needs comprehensive laws and policies to cater to the needs of society for gender justice. Menstruation health and hygiene (MHH) is a concept that helps to provide a dignified and healthy living condition for women in the workplace. Methodologically, this paper will cover the doctrinal and qualitative methods to identify the root cause of menstruation stigma and its solution. The authors of this paper have two central questions to address. Firstly, the researchers will address the shame and taboo existing in the workplace concerning menstruating women. Secondly, the researchers proposed a comprehensive supportive environment to increase women's productivity in the workplace through legal and policy interventions.