Should Productivity Matters More Than Health?
“Periods……” How could you say that out loud in public, don’t you have shame? You are taking pads without a black plastic, What will the public say about you? You have been considered impure these days, so don’t roam around everywhere? Why are you overreacting, it’s just a period? Are you PMSing? You guys become so dramatic when it comes to periods.
We all are aware of these words but nobody notices that for us these are not just words; these become our identity and represent our mentality from ages ago. But it’s the high time we must normalise PERIODS, it’s not a disease that harms you, this is a simple natural process of a living body.
And no, by saying the word period out loud in public is not shameful, buying the pads naked is not awful, roaming around anywhere is not harmful. And if you are asking whether I’m PMSing so Yes, I’m. For different women PMSing works differently and painfully.
Research says that cramps during period can be similar to a heart attack. But still we must smile and give our best to boost productivity. Seriously, Should productivity come at the cost of health? Or it’s just suffered by women so nobody bothers?
Why don’t we have “period leave” in our country whereas countries like Japan or Spain offer period leave for women. In India some companies have the policy but why are we not making it mandatory for all to have this policy. Still women are suffering in the workplace in silence without any support. If workplaces can offer sick leaves, mental health leaves, and wellness breaks, why not period leave?
The truth is, period leave isn’t about giving any “special treatment or privilege.” It’s about acknowledging a natural process and making workplaces kinder for everyone. Imagine being able to rest without guilt, and return with more focus and energy, isn’t that a win-win?
Maybe now it’s time we stop whispering about periods and start writing them into HR policies because Periods are natural, pain is real, and support is powerful.
Let’s normalize this as caring for employees shouldn’t require any debate.