Periods aren’t shameful, Gujarat. It’s time to give bens their rightful day off

Let My Ben Bleed: Period Leave for Gujjus

Okay, want a reality check? We like to call ourselves a forward society open to LGBTQ conversations (well, partially), love marriages, intercaste marriages, individuality&hellip; the list goes on. But here&rsquo;s the thing: are we really open enough? Open enough to prioritise health over taboos? Open enough to have conversations that actually matter to us?
It&rsquo;s 2025, and mentioning menstruation still throws a room into awkward silences. Cramps aren&rsquo;t considered, pads are still treated like contraband at chemists, and whispering about periods in corridors is somehow &ldquo;normal.&rdquo; Women continue pushing through cramps, nausea, and fatigue because taking a day off for menstruation is still seen as &ldquo;taboo.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, Karnataka just took a bold step. The Periods Leave Policy-2025 gives women one paid day off every month. No judgment, no excuses, no shame. Just recognition that periods are normal, and women&rsquo;s health matters.
So, Gujarat&hellip; what&rsquo;s the hold-up?
Gujarat is home to women who run businesses, lead NGOs, manage classrooms, and excel in every imaginable role. And yet, when it comes to acknowledging menstrual health, silence dominates. This isn&rsquo;t charity, it&rsquo;s common sense. Menstruation impacts productivity, comfort, and dignity. A single day off could make workplaces humane, inclusive, and empathetic.
And here&rsquo;s the real point: it&rsquo;s not just about the day off. It&rsquo;s about breaking the shame. It&rsquo;s about saying: &ldquo;Periods are normal. Pain is normal. Needing rest is normal.&rdquo; Imagine the ripple effect: healthier women, open conversations, and workplaces that genuinely care.
So, ladies of Gujarat, a couple of questions for you:
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Would you feel comfortable taking a period day off if your workplace actually supported it?
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
How would it feel to finally have your period acknowledged without guilt or whispers?
</li>
</ol>
Well, when I asked these questions to some fellow bleeders, the answers were bold, real, and unapologetic:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Pooja Menon was immediate: &ldquo;I would rather show them a menstrual cup that I use to manage my cycle if the management would understand what it takes to go through the cycle. And gossip and whispers? Show them the blood that we lose, and maybe then they would be more respectful.&rdquo;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Hardi Thakkar added, &ldquo;I would feel comfortable taking a period leave because, personally, I believe there&rsquo;s nothing to be afraid of. It would mean a lot to me if those around me acknowledge the topic, are supportive, and help create a comfortable environment.&rdquo;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Diksha Lakhpati said, &ldquo;I would be more than happy&hellip; because every woman has a different cycle. Personally, I would feel like hugging the person who made this change. And professionally, I will work more efficiently.&rdquo;
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" aria-level="1">
Rina Karmur shared: &ldquo;If my workplace recognised menstruation with empathy, that would make me feel comfortable. I am not working, but still I stand with the idea of taking a period leave without fear of being judged&hellip;&rdquo;
</li>
</ul>
Gujarat, it&rsquo;s time. Time to talk. Time to act. Time to bleed&hellip; without shame, without hiding, without apology.

14 ઑક્ટોબર, 2025 | 16:43 IST

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