Why Menstrual Leave is Necessary in Indian Banks

Menstruation is a biological reality for half the population, yet it remains an overlooked issue in India’s banking sector. While government guidelines mandate basic workplace hygiene and health provisions, many women in banks continue to work through pain, discomfort, and a lack of facilities.

Despite an existing provision for sick leave, menstrual health is not officially recognized in most banks. Women employees, particularly officers, struggle with long working hours, intense workload, and limited access to proper sanitation facilities. This raises an important question—why hasn’t the banking sector acknowledged the need for menstrual leave?

No Policy, No Support: The Reality for Women Bank Employees

Many women join banks with high aspirations, but the lack of a menstrual leave policy forces them to work under extreme discomfort. A senior bank employee and active union member highlights the problem:

"Menstrual leave is already a provision under sick leave, but banks have not updated their systems to allow it. Women employees who take leave are often pressured, and in some cases, their leave is even marked as 'without pay' despite having a balance."

A clear menstrual leave policy would remove the need for unnecessary explanations and ensure that women can prioritize their health without workplace pressure.

Staff Shortage: The Reason Women Hesitate to Take Leave

The banking sector has been facing a severe staff shortage, and employees are expected to handle increasing workloads with fewer resources. A bank employee told Kanal how this affects women during their menstrual cycles:

"Due to staff shortages, employees cannot take leave even when they need it the most. If a woman is unwell, her request is often denied, or she is indirectly discouraged from applying for leave. This adds both physical and mental stress."

Long working hours, often extending beyond 8-9 PM, make it even more difficult for women experiencing menstrual discomfort. In the absence of proper rest and breaks, this can lead to serious health consequences, including stress-related disorders and burnout.

Lack of Hygiene Facilities: A Fundamental Issue

One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of proper restrooms and hygiene facilities in many bank branches.

In an interview with Kanal another female employee said: “Government guidelines mandate separate restrooms for women in every workplace. Despite repeatedly raising this issue with bank management, many branches still lack proper sanitation. Women employees, especially those in rural areas, are forced to work without basic facilities.”

The absence of proper sanitary disposal bins and hygienic restrooms forces women to manage their periods in unsanitary and uncomfortable conditions, making their workdays even more challenging.

The Global Context: How Other Countries Address Menstrual Leave

While Indian banks have yet to recognize menstrual leave, several countries already have policies in place:

• Japan – Introduced menstrual leave as early as 1947.
• Spain – Became the first European country to introduce a legal provision for paid menstrual leave.
• South Korea – Allows women to take one paid menstrual leave per month.
• China & Taiwan – Both countries recognize menstrual leave as a necessary workplace provision.

With thousands of women employed in India’s banking sector, there is a clear need for similar policies here.

Read more: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MENSTRUAL LEAVE POLICIES IN INDIA AND JAPAN

Demand of Unions and Employees: A Step Towards Change

Recognizing the growing burden on employees, bank unions under United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have raised demands for better staff recruitment and improved working conditions. However, menstrual health concerns still need greater visibility and stronger representation in these discussions.

A senior union representative emphasizes the urgency of the situation: “Women are joining banks with dreams and ambitions, but the reality is far from what they expected. The system is not designed to accommodate their health needs. If menstrual leave is not granted, banks must at least ensure proper hygiene, flexible working hours, and fair leave policies.”

Menstrual Leave: A Basic Necessity 

Menstrual leave is not a special privilege—it is a basic necessity that ensures women employees can work without compromising their health. As banks expand their operations and recruit more women, the need for workplace policies that support menstrual health becomes even more critical.

Without proper facilities, flexible leave policies, and awareness, the burden on female bank employees will only continue to grow. It is time for Indian banks to modernize their policies and ensure that menstrual health is no longer ignored.