Anamika* was in class nine in a city school in Kochi when she was caught off guard in a school assembly. She remained speechless for a few minutes due to unbearable pain in the stomach. The girl, who was on her menstrual cycle, remained seated there, enduring intense pain in an attempt to avoid disrupting the gathering or drawing attention to herself.
Menstruation has always been a painful period in this schoolgirl’s life. She suffered severe pain in addition to muscle spasms, which often left her paralyzed.
“You really have no other option but to stay in bed. The first day is the most painful for me, and I skip classes most of the time. Medicines are not enough to ease the pain,” Anamika laments.
She recalls times when she had to skip classes or felt isolated among her peers when no one understood the pain she went through during her periods.
Anamika’s classmate Malavika also has a similar story to tell. She says, “We were in the crowd watching an event organized by the school. Suddenly, I started experiencing unbearable pain and severe cramps. I started feeling dizzy. Eventually, I fainted and had to be taken to the restroom.”
Malavika and Anamika are among hundreds of girls for whom menstruation becomes a painful affair.
Enduring the pain, these girls are forced to attend classes to avoid falling short of the attendance requirement, which can affect their academic performance.
The recent decision of the Kerala government to grant menstrual leave to school students has come as a great relief to these girls. The decision has also brought public attention back to menstrual health care of school students in the state.
early intervention
Three years ago, in January 2023, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) brought the issue of menstrual care into the mainstream by offering menstrual benefits to its students as an additional concession to cover the lack of attendance. This decision, which was widely appreciated, forced other universities to do the same.
Sitting in the school’s reception area, Steffi and Aparna, who also suffer pain and discomfort during their periods, welcomed the proposal.
Steffi believes, “There should be conversations around menstrual health and sex education. The decision to allow menstrual leave will be a game changer in eliminating the stigma associated with the biological process.”
She says, “Period holidays can be mind-opening and can help sensitize people who still feel awkward talking about periods. It can help normalize the biological process. It is not taboo. The decision to allow leave will open up more discussions and people can talk more openly about it.”
Aparna says that “Periods are not just a silly affair; some students go through severe stress and pain. Sometimes it is better to stay at home and rest in your comfort zone, and that should be a choice we all should have. These leaves help us with that.”
“While this decision is certainly a welcome step, it will also bring additional stress on teachers and even students as we may have to give up weekend holidays and put in extra efforts,” says Malavika.
However, Steffy immediately comes up with a solution.
“Additional classes can be organized for those who opt for leave. They can also be given the option to attend online classes from their homes,” she suggests.
Namita George, a young lawyer who started the campaign for menstrual leave for students during her tenure as CUSAT student union president, recalls the efforts it took to make the idea a reality.
Namita recalls, “The union shaped the students’ demands and prepared a proposal, which was accepted by the university. The campaign at CUSAT also inspired students from other universities and colleges. Student organizations also raised demands. The state government responded with orders to extend the benefit to students of all universities in the state.”
stance of rights campaigners
Gender rights campaigners like TK Anandi, joining students in welcoming the decision, recall that the previous Left Democratic Front government had introduced the idea in colleges.
“The proposal to grant compensatory leave to women working in the government sector was under consideration by the previous government,” says Anandi. “We saw many students writhing in pain and lying down during classes,” recalls Anandi, a former gender advisor to the state government. “It was also proposed that school students also be granted such leave.”
E. Parvathy, principal of Bhavana Vidya Mandir, Ernakulam, says that many students regularly miss their classes due to the discomfort and pain during periods.
She says, “We approach such students with empathy and consideration. It is a natural, organic process and all progressive institutions will accept the reality and take appropriate steps to support the students.”
Parvati feels it is important to sensitize children. She suggests, “It is not mandatory that everyone should take leave. Schools can take steps to help children who miss class.”
She further explains that nowadays many children start menstruation in the fourth grade itself. She says, “Menstrual leave can help these children. This step can sensitize an entire generation. There is no need to hide anything or consider it a stigma.”
Fessy Lewis, president of Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology, believes that some children face extreme difficulties during periods and the benefit of leave should be given to them. He said that those experiencing mild discomfort should be provided requisite facilities. However, he also cautions about the possibility of misuse of the leave facility.
He suggests, “The decision needs to be implemented properly. This facility should also be extended to those who have any medical condition.”
Poornima Narayan, former member of the Kerala Gender Council, welcomed the decision and hoped that there would be more discussion on menstrual health and related aspects like premenstrual syndrome, which affects women. “Menstruation is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. There should be more awareness on the subject,” she offers.
opposition to the proposal
While Aparna and her friends are feeling quite relieved with the government’s decision, some women active in public life are also angry with it.
Noorbina Rashid, former national general secretary of Vanita League, the women’s wing of the Indian Union Muslim League, was upset with the decision implemented by the state government under Project Menstrual Dignity.
She sees this as an issue that could raise privacy concerns for girls.
“Although menstrual leave can be seen as a step to address the health issues of girls, it also carries the risk of affecting their privacy. When such leave is registered, there is a possibility that the information may become public. This may cause unnecessary psychological distress to many children,” Noorbina wrote on her social media handle.
Former Director General of Police R. Sreelekha was also vocal in her criticism.
Now a citizen representative, Sreelekha wonders how this decision will ensure dignity of menstruation for girls or even empower them. She has written on her social media page that despite pain and troubles, women can continue life without leaving school and college. They also fear that making menstruation records public may affect the privacy of students.
She believes that such policies should be implemented only after ensuring mechanisms to protect the privacy of girls.
“There is no shame associated with menstruation. It is a matter of pride for us women. Society does not need to know about women’s menstrual schedule. We just need to improve the facilities for girls in educational institutions,” suggests Sreelekha.
They also fear that girls will be bullied in schools when their menstrual details become public.
“This may create unnecessary conversations among students. If a child does not take menstrual leave, it may lead to tongue lashings,” she fears.
Congress MLA Uma Thomas also agrees with the apprehension of girls being bullied on campuses in the name of menstrual leave.
“Those who experience pain and discomfort can take advantage of the leave. But it does not need to be a general rule. Menstruation is a biological process, and should not be sidelined. Schools should be equipped to provide a supportive ecosystem to help children during this period,” she suggests.
Kerala is gearing up for another social debate on menstrual health, which was once considered a dark little secret or taboo. However one factor is undeniable – this decision has provided comfort to many girls like Malavika and Anamika.
(*Names of all schoolchildren have been changed)
