In a significant move, the new Congress-led UDF government in Kerala has proposed granting up to three days of menstrual leave per month for schoolgirls. This initiative, part of a broader plan called menstrual dignity, aims to create more inclusive and supportive environments for girls and women in educational institutions and public spaces. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar introduced this proposal during his first policy address in the Assembly, marking a pivotal moment for gender-focused policies in the state.
The menstrual leave policy is designed to ensure that school students have the necessary support during their menstrual cycles, with provisions for special weekend catch-up classes to prevent academic setbacks. This announcement, made under Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s leadership, has quickly become one of the most notable initiatives of the new government’s legislative agenda. Additionally, the government envisions Kerala as the most woman-friendly state in India, with plans for equal pay measures, welfare benefits for women in the unorganized sector, and extended maternity leave for women outside formal employment.
Furthermore, the government aims to enhance public facilities by establishing restroom amenities in major towns and providing essential products like sanitary napkins and footwear to women. Another key initiative unveiled is the ‘Destitute and Orphan Free Kerala’ program, which seeks to eliminate orphanages in the state through adoption campaigns and foster family networks based on community care principles. The government also intends to enforce Child Care Rules under the Maternity Benefit Act, ensuring safe daycare centers in various workplaces and public offices, reflecting a comprehensive approach to social welfare and child protection.
