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The Hindu Editorial • March 16, 2026 • Read Original

Another barrier: on the issue of period leave

Mandatory period leave sans parity in recruitment will hurt women

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The Hindu Read Original
8 min read

Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on March 16, 2026

Another barrier: on the issue of period leave

Mandatory period leave sans parity in recruitment will hurt women

Menstrual LeaveWomen EmploymentLabor RightsSupreme CourtGender Equity
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 18
English Original

When considering a measure to address a work-related need, care must be taken to ensure that it does not inadvertently reduce the employee’s opportunity to work.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
When considering a measure to address a work-related need
While thinking about a solution to fix a problem at the workplace
Subject Who/What
care
serious attention or caution
Verb What is happening
must be taken
is necessary or required
Adjunct Additional info
to ensure that it does not inadvertently reduce the employee’s opportunity to work
to make sure it doesn’t accidentally lessen the chances for a worker to get employment or perform their duties
Sentence 2 of 18
English Original

This was again made evident on March 13, when a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, refused to entertain a petition seeking a law providing menstrual leave for women workers and students.

Simple Past S + V + C + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
This
The idea that new policies shouldn’t harm women’s job chances
Verb What is happening
was again made
became clear once more
Complement Completes meaning
evident
obvious or easy to see
Adjunct Additional info
on March 13
on the 13th of March
Adjunct Additional info
when a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, refused to entertain a petition seeking a law providing menstrual leave for women workers and students
at the time a pair of Supreme Court judges, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, decided not to consider a request for a new rule that would grant period leave to working women and school girls
Sentence 3 of 18
English Original

The Court cautioned that mandatory menstrual leave could unintentionally hinder women’s careers and deny them “big responsibilities”.

Simple Past S + V + O Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
The Court
The judges of the Supreme Court
Verb What is happening
cautioned
gave a warning
Object What receives action
that mandatory menstrual leave could unintentionally hinder women’s careers and deny them “big responsibilities”
that forcing companies to give period leave might accidentally slow down women’s professional growth and stop them from getting major roles at work
Sentence 4 of 18
English Original

Instead, it encouraged “voluntary” initiatives by States.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
Instead
As an alternative
Subject Who/What
it
the Supreme Court
Verb What is happening
encouraged
showed support for
Object What receives action
“voluntary” initiatives
programs or steps taken willingly without being forced by law
Adjunct Additional info
by States
introduced by different state governments in India
Sentence 5 of 18
English Original

In Odisha, women government employees up to the age of 55 can take an additional day of leave each month, while Kerala grants menstrual leave to female trainees in ITIs and universities.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + O + Adjunct + Adjunct + S + V + O + IO Main Clause + Subordinate Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In Odisha
In the Indian state of Odisha
Subject Who/What
women government employees up to the age of 55
female workers in government jobs who are 55 years old or younger
Verb What is happening
can take
are allowed to use
Object What receives action
an additional day of leave
one extra holiday
Adjunct Additional info
each month
every single month
Adjunct Additional info
while
at the same time or whereas
Subject Who/What
Kerala
the state government of Kerala
Verb What is happening
grants
officially gives or allows
Object What receives action
menstrual leave
time off for periods
Indirect Object To/For whom
to female trainees in ITIs and universities
for young women studying in technical training institutes and colleges
Context and Background
ITI

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are government-run training organizations in India that provide technical education and vocational training to students.

Sentence 6 of 18
English Original

Karnataka issued an order that entitles women in the public and private sectors up to the age of 52 to a day’s menstrual leave a month, raising concerns whether private establishments might be disincentivised from hiring women.

Simple Past S + V + O + Adjunct Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Karnataka
The state government of Karnataka
Verb What is happening
issued
officially sent out or published
Object What receives action
an order that entitles women in the public and private sectors up to the age of 52 to a day’s menstrual leave a month
a rule that gives women under 52 working in both government and private companies the right to take one day off for their period every month
Adjunct Additional info
raising concerns whether private establishments might be disincentivised from hiring women
creating worries that private companies could be discouraged from employing women because of this extra leave requirement
Sentence 7 of 18
English Original

This government order has been challenged in the High Court.

Present Perfect S + V + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
This government order
The new rule made by the Karnataka government
Verb What is happening
has been challenged
has been formally questioned or opposed
Adjunct Additional info
in the High Court
at the state’s highest court
Sentence 8 of 18
English Original

Such changes must come with safeguards, and the top court rightly suggested that the government come up with a menstrual leave policy in consultation with stakeholders — as it had done in 2024 as well.

Multiple Tenses S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct + S + Adjunct + V + O Two Main Clauses Compound-Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Such changes
These kinds of new rules
Verb What is happening
must come
should be introduced
Adjunct Additional info
with safeguards
along with protections to prevent misuse or negative effects
Adjunct Additional info
and
plus
Subject Who/What
the top court
the Supreme Court
Adjunct Additional info
rightly
correctly
Verb What is happening
suggested
advised or proposed
Object What receives action
that the government come up with a menstrual leave policy in consultation with stakeholders — as it had done in 2024 as well
that the government should create a period leave rule after discussing it with all involved parties, just like they did in 2024
Sentence 9 of 18
English Original

Many women face debilitating menstrual pain and conditions such as endometriosis, PCOD and PCOS.

Simple Present S + V + O Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Many women
A large number of females
Verb What is happening
face
experience or have to deal with
Object What receives action
debilitating menstrual pain and conditions such as endometriosis, PCOD and PCOS
severe period cramps that make it hard to function, and medical issues like endometriosis, PCOD, and PCOS which affect the reproductive system
Context and Background
Endometriosis, PCOD, and PCOS

These are common health conditions affecting women. Endometriosis involves tissue similar to the lining of the uterus growing outside it, causing severe pain. PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) are hormonal disorders causing irregular periods and other symptoms.

Sentence 10 of 18
English Original

But the Court’s reasoning rests on another, more universal reality: women are already disadvantaged at work, facing systemic barriers such as unequal pay.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct Two Main Clauses Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
But
However
Subject Who/What
the Court’s reasoning
the logic or explanation behind the Supreme Court’s decision
Verb What is happening
rests
is based
Adjunct Additional info
on another, more universal reality
on a different truth that affects people everywhere
Subject Who/What
women
female workers
Verb What is happening
are already disadvantaged
are currently in a weaker or less favorable position
Adjunct Additional info
at work
in their jobs or offices
Adjunct Additional info
facing systemic barriers such as unequal pay
having to deal with deep-rooted obstacles built into the system, like being paid less than men for the same work
Sentence 11 of 18
English Original

In this context, mandatory menstrual leave could become a form of biological determinism, limiting opportunities, pay and promotions for women.

Simple Present (Conditional) Adjunct + S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In this context
Considering this situation
Subject Who/What
mandatory menstrual leave
a law that forces workplaces to give period time-off
Verb What is happening
could become
might turn into
Complement Completes meaning
a form of biological determinism
a way of judging and restricting women based purely on their physical biology rather than their actual skills
Adjunct Additional info
limiting opportunities, pay and promotions for women
reducing the chances for females to get good jobs, better salaries, and higher positions
Sentence 12 of 18
English Original

In countries where menstrual leave policies exist, they are either poorly enforced or are not opted for by most women.

Simple Present Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct + V + Adjunct Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In countries where menstrual leave policies exist
In nations that already have rules for period leave
Subject Who/What
they
those rules or leave policies
Verb What is happening
are either poorly enforced
are not properly implemented by the authorities
Adjunct Additional info
or
or else
Verb What is happening
are not opted for
are not chosen or taken
Adjunct Additional info
by most women
by the majority of female workers
Sentence 13 of 18
English Original

In Spain, legislation enacted in 2023, and hailed as “… historic … for feminist progress”, saw few women exercising the right a year later.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + O + C + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In Spain
In the European country of Spain
Subject Who/What
legislation enacted in 2023, and hailed as “… historic … for feminist progress”
laws passed in 2023 that were celebrated as a major step forward for women’s rights
Verb What is happening
saw
experienced or resulted in
Object What receives action
few women
not many female workers
Complement Completes meaning
exercising the right
actually using this leave
Adjunct Additional info
a year later
after one year had passed
Context and Background
Spain

In February 2023, Spain became the first European country to pass a law granting paid menstrual leave for women suffering from severe period pain. The law was widely praised globally as a progressive move for women’s rights.

Sentence 14 of 18
English Original

In Zambia, some women said it was being misused.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + O Main Clause Complex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In Zambia
In the African country of Zambia
Subject Who/What
some women
a few female employees
Verb What is happening
said
stated or reported
Object What receives action
it was being misused
that the period leave policy was being taken advantage of for the wrong reasons
Context and Background
Zambia

Zambia has a law known informally as Mother’s Day, which grants women one day of leave per month without needing a medical certificate. Reports suggest sometimes it causes administrative challenges or is taken for non-health reasons.

Sentence 15 of 18
English Original

In India, the female Labour Force Participation Rate rose from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, driven largely by rural women entering work due to distress, insecure employment and unpaid household work.

Simple Past Adjunct + S + V + Adjunct + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In India
Within India
Subject Who/What
the female Labour Force Participation Rate
the percentage of working-age women who are either employed or actively looking for jobs
Verb What is happening
rose
went up or increased
Adjunct Additional info
from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24
from around 23 out of 100 women in 2017-18 to almost 42 out of 100 in 2023-24
Adjunct Additional info
driven largely by rural women entering work due to distress, insecure employment and unpaid household work
caused mainly by women in villages taking up jobs because of financial struggles, unstable job conditions, and having to do unpaid chores at home
Sentence 16 of 18
English Original

In this context, a blanket menstrual leave policy could be counterproductive: many women cannot afford to lose workdays, and in informal jobs, it may also be unenforceable.

Simple Present (Conditional/Modal) Adjunct + S + V + C + S + V + O + Adjunct + Adjunct + S + V + C Multiple Main Clauses Compound Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct Additional info
In this context
Considering these facts
Subject Who/What
a blanket menstrual leave policy
a single strict rule for period leave that applies to everyone across all jobs
Verb What is happening
could be
might turn out to be
Complement Completes meaning
counterproductive
having the opposite effect of what is intended
Subject Who/What
many women
a large number of female workers
Verb What is happening
cannot afford to lose
are not in a financial position to miss
Object What receives action
workdays
days of earning money at work
Adjunct Additional info
and
plus
Adjunct Additional info
in informal jobs
in unorganized sectors like domestic work, agriculture, or street vending where there are no strict contracts
Subject Who/What
it
the leave policy
Verb What is happening
may also be
might also turn out to be
Complement Completes meaning
unenforceable
impossible to actually apply or implement properly
Sentence 17 of 18
English Original

Providing free sanitary products and medicines at workplaces and allowing time off under existing leave provisions would be a way forward.

Simple Present (Conditional) S + V + C Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
Providing free sanitary products and medicines at workplaces and allowing time off under existing leave provisions
Giving out pads and painkillers without charge at the office and letting women use their regular medical or casual holidays for period pain
Verb What is happening
would be
is likely
Complement Completes meaning
a way forward
a better and more practical solution to the problem
Sentence 18 of 18
English Original

That would be an acknowledgement of biological realities without turning such well-intentioned but poorly thought-out initiatives into yet another barrier to women’s participation.

Simple Present (Conditional) S + V + C + Adjunct Main Clause Simple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
Subject Who/What
That
This suggested alternative approach
Verb What is happening
would be
would serve as
Complement Completes meaning
an acknowledgement of biological realities
a respectful recognition of the genuine physical challenges women face during their periods
Adjunct Additional info
without turning such well-intentioned but poorly thought-out initiatives into yet another barrier to women’s participation
while avoiding the mistake of making laws that are meant to help, but are so badly planned that they actually stop women from getting jobs or succeeding at work
Sentence 1 of 18
Sentence 1 of 18
When considering a measure to address a work-related need, care must be taken to ensure that it does not inadvertently reduce the employee’s opportunity to work.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
When considering a measure to address a work-related need
While thinking about a solution to fix a problem at the workplace
Subject
care
serious attention or caution
Verb
must be taken
is necessary or required
Adjunct
to ensure that it does not inadvertently reduce the employee’s opportunity to work
to make sure it doesn’t accidentally lessen the chances for a worker to get employment or perform their duties
Sentence 2 of 18
This was again made evident on March 13, when a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, refused to entertain a petition seeking a law providing menstrual leave for women workers and students.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This
The idea that new policies shouldn’t harm women’s job chances
Verb
was again made
became clear once more
Complement
evident
obvious or easy to see
Adjunct
on March 13
on the 13th of March
Adjunct
when a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, refused to entertain a petition seeking a law providing menstrual leave for women workers and students
at the time a pair of Supreme Court judges, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, decided not to consider a request for a new rule that would grant period leave to working women and school girls
Sentence 3 of 18
The Court cautioned that mandatory menstrual leave could unintentionally hinder women’s careers and deny them “big responsibilities”.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Court
The judges of the Supreme Court
Verb
cautioned
gave a warning
Object
that mandatory menstrual leave could unintentionally hinder women’s careers and deny them “big responsibilities”
that forcing companies to give period leave might accidentally slow down women’s professional growth and stop them from getting major roles at work
Sentence 4 of 18
Instead, it encouraged “voluntary” initiatives by States.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Instead
As an alternative
Subject
it
the Supreme Court
Verb
encouraged
showed support for
Object
“voluntary” initiatives
programs or steps taken willingly without being forced by law
Adjunct
by States
introduced by different state governments in India
Sentence 5 of 18
In Odisha, women government employees up to the age of 55 can take an additional day of leave each month, while Kerala grants menstrual leave to female trainees in ITIs and universities.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In Odisha
In the Indian state of Odisha
Subject
women government employees up to the age of 55
female workers in government jobs who are 55 years old or younger
Verb
can take
are allowed to use
Object
an additional day of leave
one extra holiday
Adjunct
each month
every single month
Adjunct
while
at the same time or whereas
Subject
Kerala
the state government of Kerala
Verb
grants
officially gives or allows
Object
menstrual leave
time off for periods
Indirect Object
to female trainees in ITIs and universities
for young women studying in technical training institutes and colleges
Sentence 6 of 18
Karnataka issued an order that entitles women in the public and private sectors up to the age of 52 to a day’s menstrual leave a month, raising concerns whether private establishments might be disincentivised from hiring women.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Karnataka
The state government of Karnataka
Verb
issued
officially sent out or published
Object
an order that entitles women in the public and private sectors up to the age of 52 to a day’s menstrual leave a month
a rule that gives women under 52 working in both government and private companies the right to take one day off for their period every month
Adjunct
raising concerns whether private establishments might be disincentivised from hiring women
creating worries that private companies could be discouraged from employing women because of this extra leave requirement
Sentence 7 of 18
This government order has been challenged in the High Court.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This government order
The new rule made by the Karnataka government
Verb
has been challenged
has been formally questioned or opposed
Adjunct
in the High Court
at the state’s highest court
Sentence 8 of 18
Such changes must come with safeguards, and the top court rightly suggested that the government come up with a menstrual leave policy in consultation with stakeholders — as it had done in 2024 as well.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Such changes
These kinds of new rules
Verb
must come
should be introduced
Adjunct
with safeguards
along with protections to prevent misuse or negative effects
Adjunct
and
plus
Subject
the top court
the Supreme Court
Adjunct
rightly
correctly
Verb
suggested
advised or proposed
Object
that the government come up with a menstrual leave policy in consultation with stakeholders — as it had done in 2024 as well
that the government should create a period leave rule after discussing it with all involved parties, just like they did in 2024
Sentence 9 of 18
Many women face debilitating menstrual pain and conditions such as endometriosis, PCOD and PCOS.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Many women
A large number of females
Verb
face
experience or have to deal with
Object
debilitating menstrual pain and conditions such as endometriosis, PCOD and PCOS
severe period cramps that make it hard to function, and medical issues like endometriosis, PCOD, and PCOS which affect the reproductive system
Sentence 10 of 18
But the Court’s reasoning rests on another, more universal reality: women are already disadvantaged at work, facing systemic barriers such as unequal pay.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
But
However
Subject
the Court’s reasoning
the logic or explanation behind the Supreme Court’s decision
Verb
rests
is based
Adjunct
on another, more universal reality
on a different truth that affects people everywhere
Subject
women
female workers
Verb
are already disadvantaged
are currently in a weaker or less favorable position
Adjunct
at work
in their jobs or offices
Adjunct
facing systemic barriers such as unequal pay
having to deal with deep-rooted obstacles built into the system, like being paid less than men for the same work
Sentence 11 of 18
In this context, mandatory menstrual leave could become a form of biological determinism, limiting opportunities, pay and promotions for women.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In this context
Considering this situation
Subject
mandatory menstrual leave
a law that forces workplaces to give period time-off
Verb
could become
might turn into
Complement
a form of biological determinism
a way of judging and restricting women based purely on their physical biology rather than their actual skills
Adjunct
limiting opportunities, pay and promotions for women
reducing the chances for females to get good jobs, better salaries, and higher positions
Sentence 12 of 18
In countries where menstrual leave policies exist, they are either poorly enforced or are not opted for by most women.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In countries where menstrual leave policies exist
In nations that already have rules for period leave
Subject
they
those rules or leave policies
Verb
are either poorly enforced
are not properly implemented by the authorities
Adjunct
or
or else
Verb
are not opted for
are not chosen or taken
Adjunct
by most women
by the majority of female workers
Sentence 13 of 18
In Spain, legislation enacted in 2023, and hailed as “… historic … for feminist progress”, saw few women exercising the right a year later.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In Spain
In the European country of Spain
Subject
legislation enacted in 2023, and hailed as “… historic … for feminist progress”
laws passed in 2023 that were celebrated as a major step forward for women’s rights
Verb
saw
experienced or resulted in
Object
few women
not many female workers
Complement
exercising the right
actually using this leave
Adjunct
a year later
after one year had passed
Sentence 14 of 18
In Zambia, some women said it was being misused.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In Zambia
In the African country of Zambia
Subject
some women
a few female employees
Verb
said
stated or reported
Object
it was being misused
that the period leave policy was being taken advantage of for the wrong reasons
Sentence 15 of 18
In India, the female Labour Force Participation Rate rose from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, driven largely by rural women entering work due to distress, insecure employment and unpaid household work.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In India
Within India
Subject
the female Labour Force Participation Rate
the percentage of working-age women who are either employed or actively looking for jobs
Verb
rose
went up or increased
Adjunct
from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24
from around 23 out of 100 women in 2017-18 to almost 42 out of 100 in 2023-24
Adjunct
driven largely by rural women entering work due to distress, insecure employment and unpaid household work
caused mainly by women in villages taking up jobs because of financial struggles, unstable job conditions, and having to do unpaid chores at home
Sentence 16 of 18
In this context, a blanket menstrual leave policy could be counterproductive: many women cannot afford to lose workdays, and in informal jobs, it may also be unenforceable.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In this context
Considering these facts
Subject
a blanket menstrual leave policy
a single strict rule for period leave that applies to everyone across all jobs
Verb
could be
might turn out to be
Complement
counterproductive
having the opposite effect of what is intended
Subject
many women
a large number of female workers
Verb
cannot afford to lose
are not in a financial position to miss
Object
workdays
days of earning money at work
Adjunct
and
plus
Adjunct
in informal jobs
in unorganized sectors like domestic work, agriculture, or street vending where there are no strict contracts
Subject
it
the leave policy
Verb
may also be
might also turn out to be
Complement
unenforceable
impossible to actually apply or implement properly
Sentence 17 of 18
Providing free sanitary products and medicines at workplaces and allowing time off under existing leave provisions would be a way forward.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Providing free sanitary products and medicines at workplaces and allowing time off under existing leave provisions
Giving out pads and painkillers without charge at the office and letting women use their regular medical or casual holidays for period pain
Verb
would be
is likely
Complement
a way forward
a better and more practical solution to the problem
Sentence 18 of 18
That would be an acknowledgement of biological realities without turning such well-intentioned but poorly thought-out initiatives into yet another barrier to women’s participation.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
That
This suggested alternative approach
Verb
would be
would serve as
Complement
an acknowledgement of biological realities
a respectful recognition of the genuine physical challenges women face during their periods
Adjunct
without turning such well-intentioned but poorly thought-out initiatives into yet another barrier to women’s participation
while avoiding the mistake of making laws that are meant to help, but are so badly planned that they actually stop women from getting jobs or succeeding at work

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Menstrual Leave Policies

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about menstrual leave policies.

5 Questions Passing: 70%

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