National Desk, 13th April: Panjab University has taken a progressive step towards supporting the well-being and empowerment of its students by announcing the introduction of menstrual leaves for girl students. This initiative, set to commence from the upcoming academic session in July 2024, is spearheaded by Panjab University Dean, Prof Rumina Sethi, and aims to address menstrual health and inclusivity within the educational framework.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Prof Rumina Sethi stated, “I am very delighted to say that we have introduced the idea of menstrual leaves, which is going to be implemented from the forthcoming session starting in July 2024. This will be available to all girl students when they desire. It’s basically up to them, if they want the leave or not.”
The policy is designed to provide flexibility and autonomy to female students, with one day of leave allocated in every teaching month. Students can avail of this leave by submitting a simple application, without the need for medical verification.
Prof Sethi emphasized the importance of eliminating judgment and guilt associated with menstrual health, stating, “No one should be judgmental about it. Women shouldn’t feel guilt-ridden on certain days.”
This initiative signifies a significant stride towards fostering a culture of understanding and empathy regarding menstrual health issues. By acknowledging and accommodating the diverse needs of students, Panjab University sets a precedent for inclusive policies and practices within educational institutions. As universities continue to evolve, initiatives like menstrual leaves reaffirm the commitment to creating supportive and equitable learning environments for all students.