International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
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Title:
LABOR RESILIENCE: PAID MENSTRUAL LEAVE AND WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA

Authors:
Rehmat Swani

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Rehmat Swani
Strawberry Fields High School

MLA 8
Swani, Rehmat. "LABOR RESILIENCE: PAID MENSTRUAL LEAVE AND WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 5, no. 5, May 2020, pp. 1325-1331, ijsser.org/more2020.php?id=90. Accessed May 2020.
APA
Swani, R. (2020, May). LABOR RESILIENCE: PAID MENSTRUAL LEAVE AND WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 5(5), 1325-1331. Retrieved from ijsser.org/more2020.php?id=90
Chicago
Swani, Rehmat. "LABOR RESILIENCE: PAID MENSTRUAL LEAVE AND WOMEN'S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 5, no. 5 (May 2020), 1325-1331. Accessed May, 2020. ijsser.org/more2020.php?id=90.

References
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[3]. Kapsos, S., (2014), "Why is female labour force participation declining so sharply in India?", ILO Research Paper No.10, International Labour Office
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[6]. Pathak et al, (2018), "The Maternity Leave Incentive Scheme, 2018: Blessing in the Pipeline for Working Women in India", India Corporate Law, Retrieved from https://corporate.cyrilamarchandblogs.com/2018/11/maternity-leave-incentive-scheme- 2018-blessing-pipeline-working- women-india/
[7]. Prasad, U., (2018), "India needs a menstrual leave policy", Hindu Business Line, Retrieved from https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/india-needs-a-menstrual-leave- policy/article24105589.ece
[8]. Worley, W., (2017), "The country where all women get a day off because of their period", Independent, Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/zambia- period-day-off-women- menstruation-law-gender-womens-rights-a7509061.html

Abstract:
In a country with a cultural context like India, menstruation still remains a subject of taboo. Such a taboo exists across all spectrums of society, both rural and urban. Among other factors, menstruation related health issues are a major reason for the fall in female workforce participation rate. It is also a cause for discrimination at work, and women being punished for experiencing issues that are purely biological in nature. In order to achieve an equal and inclusive workplace, paid menstrual leave is an important policy measure to encourage a conversation around menstrual health and also to incentivize women to join the workforce. However, some oppose the policy based on arguments that it will lessen economic efficiency or afford women special treatment. This paper will examine the literature and arguments surrounding paid menstrual leave, and make a case for why it will increase economic efficiency and lead to a more equal society. The paper will pose recommendations for the implementation of menstrual leave policies, and emphasize on the crucial reasons why it is required.

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