Assessing the impact of menstrual leave policies on women’s career progression: An Indian and International perspective

This paper explores the impact and effectiveness of menstrual leave policies on women’s career progression and workplace equity. Focusing on a sample of 200 women from various industries and organizational levels across India, the study captures a range of experiences and viewpoints. The participants were drawn from different states, including 40 from Delhi, 35 from Maharashtra, 30 from Tamil Nadu, 25 from Karnataka, 20 from West Bengal, 15 from Uttar Pradesh, 15 from Gujarat, 10 from Rajasthan, 10 from Punjab, and 30 from other regions. This regional diversity allows for a comprehensive understanding of how menstrual leave policies are perceived and implemented across different cultural contexts. The research investigates the potential benefits of these policies in supporting women’s health and wellbeing while addressing the potential dangers of stigma and biases that could arise from their implementation. The study highlights the importance of cultural and organizational factors in shaping the success of these policies, emphasizing the necessity of context-specific approaches. By examining case studies from India and other countries, the paper provides recommendations for designing and implementing menstrual leave policies that foster gender equality and career growth. The findings suggest that, when thoughtfully implemented, menstrual leave policies can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable work environment, benefiting both women and organizations.