Ghazal Alag period leave controversy; Women of Grapevine what do you think?
Alagh, a prominent entrepreneur, cautioned against the implementation of a paid leave policy for menstruation, suggesting that it might pose...
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/mama-earth-co-founder-ghazal-alagh-voices-concerns-over-period-leave-debate-says-setback-for-hard-earned-equality/amp-11702629985726.html
This isn't even about equality because every menstruating person experiences periods differently. Some can run a marathon while on their period, while others can barely walk due to the amount of pain. It's sad to see some women completely dismiss this aspect in the name of equality. It's totally subjective and not for one person to decide for the entire group.
This is weird. Even as a dude I understand that period pain can be wildly different from person to person and some have to take medication just to keep the pain bearable.
But women themselves are their worst enemy here, I have heard that women bosses are more dismissive of period leaves because in their opinion if they can Soldier on then so can their subordinates.
Kamlesh
Stealth
9 months ago
Actually, the fact that it is subjective makes more of a case against mandated period leaves . Those who can't work will make it difficult for other women who can, to get hired.
If an employer knows a man is working 26 days a month while a woman is working say 22-24 days a month after period leaves, employer will be incentivised to hire men over women.
This isn't just about period leaves, but female labour participation and employment at a macro level too.
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She's a businesswoman, when it's her periods she will take a leave and no one will bat an eye while her househelp will obviously help her manage everything.
Speak of the women who work in her company, if it is possible she will also remove all leaves for her employees and dock pay for each day not worked.
During the post-industrial era, the design of work structures primarily centered around men, overlooking the unique needs of women, who were less integrated into the workforce. Had men experienced monthly bleeding, leaves or accommodations of such nature would likely have been standard practice. The introduction of period leaves is essential to create a more inclusive workforce.
tenet
Stealth
9 months ago
Classic example of "ek aurat hi aurat ki dushman hai"
SabChangaSi
Stealth
9 months ago
Honestly, this issue isn't black and white. She's taking a stand from the point of view of the greater good. She's going to face a lot of flak for it but hopefully the leaves arent going to be dismissed for people who really need it.
Maybe Aunty is evil and showing true nature.
Ladkio ka 4 chutti ka salary bacha kar konsa uski company profitable ho jaegi, sudh saaf bakaiti kr rahi ye.
I know some girls take unpaid leaves, pain at times get to a level can't even sleep.
Umadbro
Stealth
9 months ago
I have seen quite a few female friends who would refuse to take on painkillers or any medication for the pain and then tell me the pain is unbearable. The excuse is it might be bad for the body but the studies disprove it. More about self image of pain threshold. Why not just take the painkillers?
Coming to the leaves, yes period pains are bad for a few women and it will hurt them. But taking leaves would definitely mean less work/impact during the year - assuming your peers have same productivity- than the folks not availing the leaves. So is it a slippery slope? Next would the companies expected to give them preference in promotions and appraisals cos “they worked less days due to period leaves so less time to make an impact”? Or we just stop here? What about folks with autoimmune diseases? Or some pre-existing conditions which means they work through pain too?
There is no perfect solution i agree. But i do feel you can’t have it both ways. Give them leaves and then give them preference in work promotions. Also, should the leaves be mandatory?
WheelOfTime
Stealth
9 months ago
Would you please share the study that says there are zero side-effects for pain killers? I would love to read it.
Not surprised to see that a woman in a startup is not supportive of the idea of permitting leaves for the periods. Our government needs to regulate both this and maternity leaves by strictly not allowing companies to fire women (especially during maternity leaves).
If you check the DEI initiatives (however flawed, it is), they are mostly carried out by well established companies like Google, MS, Adobe, etc, not startups. In fact, startups are where inclusion are needed as they tend not to hire women in general and have a preference for males. Not all startups are like this, of course, but a majority are
My thoughts: her thoughts should be thrown out of the window. Period.
“fighting for period leave might set back the hard-earned equality”
- does she know there are maternity leaves, for similar reasons, and it has nothing to do with equality?
“Imagine employers factoring in 12-24 fewer working days for female candidates.”
- now you see, it’s the employer talking; #conflictofinterest. There are good employers who factor in upto 52 more leaves by adopting 5 work days a week. 12-24 se konsa stock gir raha hai iska
“A better solution? Supporting work from home for those in pain.”
- she’s no idea how the world outside her company is, where mass population is blue collared (factories, project sites, and informal jobs) and their employers don’t offer them wfh.
Toph56
Stealth
9 months ago
It’s easy for the privileged lot to think this way. It’s prevalent for women to be asked in interviews whether she is married and has kids. While many interviewers might be making conversation, many are also wondering if they have to account for potential maternity leave. On this platform there are so many posts that have talked about a woman colleague who slacks or went on maternity leave and had it easy etc.
Equality is a far cry. Let’s not make it even harder for people to hire women. As an SMB owner, will you be willing to pay the same for a man and a woman with such mandatory off for periods / maternity. The easier choice is to hire fewer women. The few women who are in the work force get paid lesser already. And then most of the men say women get promoted because of diversity agenda only and not because they are good.
Hypocrisy!
If the men here really want to do something about this, here are a few suggestions:
1. Create a workplace that’s conducive for women - support and help the deserving women - be it mentoring them or pushing them to dream bigger.
2. At home encourage your sisters, mothers and wives to chase their dream. Share the load of household with the wife who wants to pursue a career
3. If you are a hiring manager, don’t let maternity and periods act as deterrent to hire women. Give them a chance.
When I go through chats it seems many are venting and giving suggestions to men how they must behave. 🤔
humorousresource
Stealth
9 months ago
Three words: 'A grade ch*tiya'