Kangana Ranaut Applauds Smriti Irani’s ‘Menstruation Not Handicap’ Remark; Says ‘No Need Of Paid Leaves For Periods’

India’s Women & Child Development Minister, Smriti Irani, ignited a social media debate on Wednesday by stating that menstruation shouldn’t warrant a dedicated “paid leave” policy for women. The actress Kangana Ranaut joined the fray a day later, voicing her support for Irani’s stance.

Kangana Ranaut Supports Smriti Irani

Ranaut added to her IG Story, “Working women are a myth, there has not been a single non-working woman in the history of mankind. From farming to house chores to rausing kids, women have always been working and nothing has come in the way of their commitment to their families or community or nation. Unless it is some specific medical condition, women don’t need paid leave for periods, please understand, it is periods, not some illness or handicap.”

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The issue has polarized opinions, with both men and women divided. Some argue that menstrual leave could jeopardize gender equality in workplaces. Others, however, view it as a necessary step towards women’s well-being, similar to maternity leave, and advocate for a balanced approach that recognizes the unique challenges faced by women in professional settings.

While speaking in Rajya Sabha, Smriti Irani had said, “As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is not a handicap, it’s a natural part of women’s life journey…We should not propose issues where women are denied equal opportunities just because somebody who does not menstruate has a particular viewpoint towards menstruation.”