We are somewhat indifferent to women's issues, especially women's rights and needs at the family level. In rural areas, a girl going through her menstrual period is rarely given special care. Instead, grandmothers and elderly women often become a source of added pressure for young girls during this time. They dismiss menstrual discomfort by saying, "We used to work so much during our periods! It's nothing- do work, everything will be fine." I once heard a grandmother tell a young girl in a village, "The more you work, the faster the blood stops. Just work, and it will all be fine."
Cruel, harsh rhetoric is prevalent in society, which is why it is difficult to even consider women's menstrual leave even in this modern age. Family, society, and the state have also failed to guarantee women's menstrual leave. As a result, this topic is rarely discussed. So far this indifference is glaring.
Even in this postmodern age, we still make fun of women's periods. School, college, and university students also exhibit this tendency. In families, when a woman gets her period, it is kept secret because discussing menstruation openly is seen as dishonorable, even shameful. Consequently, a woman carries on with her regular household and external responsibilities during her period, which is physically and mentally exhausting.
After marriage, periods become even more challenging for women. Working women must get up early to complete household chores, as a paid household helper is rare for most Bangladeshi women. Although wealthy families can afford household helpers, even these women need menstrual leave. This means women often handle housework and then go to the office, where they always work. Actually, during menstruation, women need rest and mental peace, as they naturally face unique physical and emotional challenges. Doctors also recommend rest during this time. However, in our social and governmental structures, there is still no provision for rest or leave for women during their periods.
The good news is that many young people in the country are now working on raising awareness about menstrual health. Through their efforts, messages about women's rights are reaching all levels of society. In villages, many young men and women are playing a crucial role in spreading awareness about menstrual health, and they are being recognized for their contributions. But most awareness-raising programs do not address the issue of menstrual leave and the problems faced by menstruating women at work during their periods.
During menstruation, women become very sensitive to mood swings and during this time female employees fear staining their clothes during the first two or three days of their period. Employees are often granted leave for common health issues like fever, cold, or headaches. In comparison, the physical and mental stress that women endure during periods is no less significant.
All the people known that menstruation is a natural process and the burden of menstruation is not solely on women. It is unfair to leave women to fight this battle alone without changes in family and social attitudes. Bangladesh should look to more developed countries to learn how to take care of women's health.
Many of you may have heard of Erving Goffman, especially those who have studied sociology. This renowned sociologist introduced two famous theories: "Total Institution" and "Dramaturgical Analysis." According to Goffman's concept of Total Institution, certain institutions like mental hospitals, elderly care centers, and prisons are designed to reprogram individuals, reshaping them to better fit societal norms. Similarly, when certain rules become inhumane for society, they need to be reformed. We need such a revolutionary shift to introduce menstrual leave for women.
Goffman's "Dramaturgical Analysis" theory explains how people maintain their social roles through performance. In order to keep up with societal expectations, people modify or adapt their behavior in many ways. In this context, society needs to positively modify its approach to women. Developed countries are not only advanced in infrastructure but also in their understanding of women's needs. When they discuss menstrual leave for working women, it reflects their true progress.
The global conversation about menstrual leave began long ago, excluding Bangladesh. Countries like Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Zambia have already implemented menstrual leave policies. Japan introduced this policy into their labor laws 75 years ago, in 1947. Last year, Spain introduced menstrual leave for women suffering from severe menstrual pain, passing a law that allows female employees to take three days of paid leave during their period. If necessary, women can receive up to five days of leave with a doctor's recommendation. Spain is the first country in Europe to pass such a law, showing compassion towards working women.
With a population of over 16 crore, including over 83 million women, Bangladesh lags behind. According to the Ministry of Public Administration, there are currently 1,554,927 government employees nationwide, of which 404,591 are women. Apart from government employees, there are many women working in the private sector who go to work every month despite menstrual pain and discomfort. It is time to empathize with their plight.
In conclusion, Irin Sultana rightly put it: "With due respect, I humbly request that, like the developed world, Bangladesh introduce a national women's health policy that includes paid menstrual leave, making it a truly smart nation."
The writer is a MSS student of the Department of Public Administration, Comilla University