Mama Earth Co-founder Ghazal Alagh voices concerns over period leave debate, says 'setback for hard-earned equality...'

livemint.com:

Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of the beauty brand Mama Earth, has emerged as a notable figure expressing reservations about the concept. This conversation gained momentum after Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, stated her belief that menstruation should not be considered a handicap. Alagh, a prominent entrepreneur, cautioned against the implementation of a paid leave policy for menstruation, suggesting that it might pose challenges for women in the workforce.

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she shared her perspective on the matter. In her online statement, Alagh acknowledged the importance of finding a nuanced solution to the debate surrounding period leave. She emphasized that the historical struggle for equal opportunities and women's rights has been hard-fought, and introducing a policy of paid leave for menstruation could potentially undermine the progress made towards achieving gender equality.

"We have fought for centuries for equal opportunities and women's rights, and now, fighting for period leave might set back the hard-earned equality," remarked Ghazal Alagh, shedding light on the complexities of the ongoing discourse. The co-founder's stance adds a significant voice to the multifaceted conversation surrounding workplace policies and gender equality. The topic resurfaced on Wednesday during discussions in the upper house when Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha raised a pertinent question regarding menstrual hygiene policies.