Kavitha Kalvakuntla, the Legislative Council member and former MP, has criticized Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani for saying that menstruation is not a handicap and that period leaves can't be granted as a policy measure. The BRS leader is "disheartened".
"Irani ji's statements are nothing but a dismissal of menstrual struggles. As a woman, it's appalling to see such ignorance, for our struggles," Kavitha wrote, adding that a level playing field is non-negotiable. She further opined, "Menstruation isn't a choice; it's a biological reality. Denying paid leave ignores the genuine pain countless women endure. As a woman, it's 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 to bridge the gap between policy-making and reality with empathy and reason," Kavitha added.
Kavitha's views have not been welcomed by many women themselves. "Not every woman needs time off. Every organization offers ‘sick leave’ that women can avail of. No need to have a separate category called ‘period leave’," wrote Sunanda Vashisht, a columnist. "Why didn't your dad (former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) give paid leave during periods to female government employees when he was the CM?" asked a Twitter user.
