As India keeps debating the matter, numerous countries worldwide have already adopted some form of menstrual leave (Photo: AI). The debate on menstrual leave has reemerged in India following the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to require a national policy for paid menstrual leave. While hearing a petition urging states to create rules for menstrual leave, the court noted that mandating it via legislation might harm women’s job prospects, as employers could be reluctant to hire them due to extra leave obligations. As India debates the matter, numerous countries worldwide have already adopted some version of menstrual leave. either via national laws or workplace policies.. Japan. Japan was among the first countries to implement menstrual leave. This policy originated in 1947, when labor laws first permitted women to take time off for menstrual cycle discomfort or health problems. Japanese labor law prohibits employers from forcing women to work if they request leave for menstrual symptoms. Nevertheless, the leave isn’t always compensated, and numerous women reportedly opt against taking it due to workplace culture or fears of stigma. Nevertheless, the policy stands as one of the earliest instances of menstrual health being acknowledged in labour law. South Korea.
