“As a woman, it’s appalling to see such ignorance, for our struggles, our journeys… it deserves a level playing field and that is non-negotiable,” said Kavitha who took to social media to criticise the minister for her comment that menstruation was not a handicap.
The Union Minister had triggered a controversy when she replied to a question raised by RJD MP Mamoj Jha in the Parliament over paid menstrual leave at workplaces for women. She had responded by saying menstruation was not a handicap, adding: “It is a natural part of women’s life journey. We should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint.”
However, Kavitha differed from the Minister’s stand and pointed out, “Menstruation isn’t a choice; it is a biological reality. Denying paid leave ignores the genuine pain countless women endure. As a woman, it is disconcerting to see a lack of empathy for the genuine challenges women face and the fight we have to put up for everything. It’s high time indeed to bridge the gap between policy-making and reality with empathy and reason.”
Irani had said that menstruation was a physiological phenomenon and only a small proportion of women/girls suffer and most of these cases could be managed through medication.