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Here’s Why Some Women Are Against Period Leave

Written By: Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin
August 13, 2020
  • Full Read
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I was just about to close my eyes for the night when my phone beeped. “Are you awake?” It was my friend Arwa Kapasi. She is the manager of a medical center in UAE. “I need to discuss something with you.” Knowing Arwa, I knew that whatever it was would have been bothering her to ping me at this time. “Yes, tell me,” I replied. “Are you for this period leave? I am not. And I wanted to know your opinion to see if someone could make me see the other side.”

Since Zomato announced ten day extra annual period leaves for women, social media has been abuzz with debates. For or against, I must say that at least the conversation is happening around a topic that was once shunned under the carpets and not discussed out loud. Period leaves were sick leaves only and that left women with no allowance for sick leaves when needed for other illnesses.

Now to get back to Arwa, I, for one, am for period leave. Or at least I was till she got me thinking. “If we want to be equal I don’t want to give them a reason to remind them I am a woman…. Give the guys off too. That way when we get hired they both men and women cost effective…. If I give this an option, I bet you even if not a single woman nurse in my clinic is facing the problem, will ensure they avail the leave… Bigger companies will prefer men over women and will make a shift in their hiring policies. And women won’t even notice that… Women who would acquire those leaves even by law will be considered not too dedicated and more of a liability….Also, it’s not fair to the men… Imagine the male banker who will have to handle more customers that day when his lady colleague calls in sick due to cramps?” These were some of her reasons.

Much ado about that time of the month?

Period leave is actually a privilege that could definitely be misused. But again we cannot oversee the necessity of it for those women who have a hard time during their menstrual cycles. Period cramps, heavy bleeding, nausea, loose motions- dysmenorrhea is real and I have seen women throwing up and bundling up in bed during their initial days. Though, this may not be the same case for everyone as this is a personal experience. Some have it worse than the other. Many of us pop in a pill and go about our chore. For some others, medication doesn’t work.

Also, we need to understand that most working women handle their everyday household chores at the same level as other housewives. Not everyone has a great support system at home or the luxury to afford cooks and maids. So for these women handling a painful period and functioning effectively to fulfill these responsibilities is a huge task. Also, access to clean and hygienic sanitation places and toilets at workspace (to comfortably change pad/ tampon/ drain menstrual cups) is again a privilege and a luxury, not all working women have.

In 2017, journalist Barkha Dutt had written an article titled “I’m a feminist. Giving women a day off for their period is a stupid idea.” As an offset to a campaign that was started by some women in India for a day off during their period.

She writes, “‘First-day period leave’ may be dressed up as progressive, but it actually trivializes the feminist agenda for equal opportunity, especially in male-dominated professions. Worse, it reaffirms that there is a biological determinism to the lives of women, a construct that women of my generation have spent years challenging. Remember all those dumb jokes by male colleagues about ‘that time of the month’ or PMS? Well, this idea only serves to emphasize that there is something spectacularly otherworldly about a bodily function.”

NO @ShashiTharoor menstrual leave ghettoises women, becomes one more excuse to close certain professional doors on women and treats the monthly period as a grand event instead of routine biology. Here's a piece I wrote in @washingtonpost on thi this https://t.co/OKqDslqpuZ https://t.co/f6N6sDS8Lw

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) March 8, 2020

Journalist Faye D’Souza held a discussion on the same on her YouTube channel with women from different backgrounds. Faye asked if we have created safer spaces, stable work environments, hygienic sanitation places, where we expect women to work harder, dig themselves further, bear the pain and buck up and pretend as if nothing is happening. With these discussions, women, today have the power to clear these obstacles for the other women to come.

Should Companies Have Period Leave Policy For Women?@KushaKapila says, "The reality is the pain can get unbearable. When I got my period last week, I could not move for two days and because I am self-employed, I gave myself leave for two days."#PeriodLeave #Zomato#Women pic.twitter.com/JCS0gK4NWZ

— Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) August 11, 2020

Digital content creator Kushka Kapila said, “The reality is the pain can get unbearable. When I got my period last week, I could not move for two days and because I am self-employed, I gave myself leave for two days.”

But gynecologist Dr. Kiran Coelho was of the opinion that the painful period was only a problem of 5% of women and younger women have it worse than the older women.

What is the solution?

When we ask for equal rights, we are asking that based on our skill sets and intellectual abilities. Physiologically women are different and certain allowances have to be made for them in that aspect. 

Organisations should get a consensus from their women employees and come up with a system based on employee requirements of the organisation. If there are 50 women working and 40 agree that they don’t need menstrual leaves, then the other 10 can compensate by working a ½ hour extra to compensate for the missed hours. The onus is on them to achieve their targets on time.

“I feel we need an HR law and policy to be thoughtful and accommodating legally for the menstrual cycle”, added Arwa. “Give them an easy pass, which is still a privilege versus a man. And then adjust your shift to justify your missed hours or work”.

Work-from-home is another option that can be extended to women. “But we are here not accounting for labourers, factory workers, mine workers, and daily wagers”, said lawyer Trisha Shetty in the discussion with Faye.

“Most HR professionals’ support periods leave to women,” says Liyaquat Ali, an HR professional. “Some women cannot perform to their optimum during painful periods there is no point if it doesn’t add value to their productivity. So the work of the female staff on leave is equally delegated among her peers. But there is always a black sheep (male employee) in every organisation that objects and seeks a similar (non-monetary) benefit to this rule”.

While feminism stays divided on this, we would love to hear your thoughts on the same. Please feel free to comment below, or mail us on infano.care@gmail.com

period leaveperiod painworking womenzomato

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin

Tasneem Akbari Kutubuddin has done her masters in Journalism & Communication and has worked as a senior journalist, editor and columnist for leading publications like The Logical Indian, Deccan Chronicle, Worldwide Media Corporation, The Bridge and Provoke.
With Infano, she hopes to create more awareness about women’s health issues. Suffering with Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, she has also been advocating for its awareness through media.

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Infano Care

How Does Period Underwear Work?

Written By: Sarah Kutiyanawala
May 3, 2021 | 03:30 PM |
330

Highlights

  • Period Underwear is underwear intended to wear during your menstrual cycle but minus the pads/ tampons/ cups.
  • They are designed in such a way that no one will notice you’re wearing them.
  • They are reusable, great for nature, and more comfortable than sanitary napkins 
  • Quick Read
  • Full Read

Period underwear is the new rage in town. These are undergarments that are intended for you to wear during your menstrual cycle but minus the pads/ tampons/ cups. They come with extra layers and high-tech fabrics in the crotch area that absorb the menstrual flow and prevent leaks. 

Plus, did we mention that they look and feel like regular underwear? Yes, they are designed in such a way that no one will notice you’re wearing them!

Not only is period underwear safer and more comfortable compared to other menstrual hygiene products, but they are also the need of the hour for the environment. They last longer, generate reduced waste and are much better for the environment and our planet.

Find one that is the right fit for you and suitable for your flow, and you are all set.

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Are you tired of worrying about staining your favourite pants when on your period? Or are shifting pads and leaking tampons not allowing you to get a comfortable night’s sleep? Or, perhaps you want to switch to a more environment-friendly and sustainable option, unlike other disposable menstrual products? If you answered yes to any of those above questions, then there are only two words we’d like to say to you: Period Underwear. Yes! Period underwear is the new rage in town – and we must admit, deservedly so.

Now, we understand you’ll have some questions and even some hesitation towards period panties – this is why this article is a must-read. For today, we’ll be diving deep into the world of period underwear and answer all your questions on how they work, how safe and comfortable they are, and ultimately, how reliable.

What Is Period Underwear?

First and foremost, period underwear is not the old granny underwear or nappies from ancient times. In fact, period underwear is much more advanced than that. These are undergarments that are intended for you to wear during your menstrual cycle but minus the pads/ tampons/ cups. They come with extra layers and high-tech fabrics in the crotch area that absorb the menstrual flow and prevent leaks. However, some women tend to prefer a combination of period underwear with their regular menstrual products on days when they experience a heavier flow. But if you have a lighter flow, a period panty can be your only go-to!

How Do They Work?

Typically, period panties are composed of multiple layers, each designed for a specific purpose. These layers and special fabrics work together to wick away moisture from the skin and keep you comfortable, absorb the flow, and finally, prevent any leaks. Making a sudden switch from your regular menstrual product to period underwear can sound risky. Thus, you can always give these panties a trial shot on your lighter flow days or combine them with your pads or tampons. Plus, did we mention that they look and feel like regular underwear? Yes, they are designed in such a way that no one will notice you’re wearing them!

How Long Can One Wear Them For?

Usually, period underwear can be worn for up to twelve hours at a stretch, after which you must change them. Although, this can vary depending on the style of underwear you’ve chosen and your flow. Once the underwear has absorbed about two tampons’ worth of fluid, it’d be a good time to change. You can wash them after – don’t worry, they are easy to wash! And, if you take good care, the underwear can last you for two years and more, making them a highly sustainable and economically viable option.

How Do I Wash Them?

Washing period underwear is pretty much like all your other clothes. Hard to believe? But, it’s true! First, rinse them in cold water till you see clear water. Then, toss them into your washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Remember NOT to add any fabric softener or bleach because that can harm the natural fibres and fabric of the underwear. Let them dry, and voila! They are ready to use again! Usually, these panties can take 24 to 48 hours to dry, so ensure you have a pair or two more for a smooth, mess-free cycle.

Why Make The Switch?

Not only is period underwear safer and more comfortable compared to other menstrual hygiene products, but they are also the need of the hour for the environment. You see, the one-time disposable pads and tampons we’ve been using have had quite an adverse impact on nature. They are filling up oceans and landfills and are highly unsustainable. On the other hand, period panties last longer, generate reduced waste, and are much better for the environment and our planet. Need we say more?

We hope this article has helped answer all the queries that you may have had about period underwear. They are reusable, great for nature, and far more comfortable than a sanitary napkin. Find one that is the right fit for you and suitable for your flow, and you are all set. Here’s a tip: owing to the pandemic, since most of us are currently at home, now would be a good time to give these magic panties a shot. We bet the convenience and comfort will eventually convince you to make them your sole go-to for all periods to come!

Menstruationperiod underwearPeriodssustainable periodswomens health

Sarah Kutiyanawala

A writing enthusiast turning her side hustle into a full-time passion. The previous sentence perfectly encapsulates Sarah's stint with writing so far. She likes to write. And to write words that tell a capturing story - she likes that even more! When not found engrossed in books, you're most likely to find her binging through the latest horror movie that's out.

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