Karnataka’s one day menstrual leave policy is just tokenism, says Dr Hema Diwakar

Periods are a part of every woman’s life — but should they be a reason for paid leave? As Karnataka introduces a one-day menstrual leave each month, the debate heats up: Is it a progressive move for women’s health or an unintended setback for equality at work?

We sit down with Dr Hema Divakar, Division Director of Well Women Health Care at the International Forum of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, to discuss whether it is a progressive step and whether what women medically need is one day’s leave during the menstrual cycle.