India, April 4 -- Not too long ago, the issue of period leave was being discussed by our politicians. While, in today's world, everyone is sympathetic, the idea rarely seems feasible.

Women worry that institutions and organizations will be less likely to hire them, if period leave is mandated by the government.

I have been blessed with relatively benign periods. As a result, in my teenage years, I never understood what the fuss was about. It's normal right, so what's the big deal? No need to be wimpy and give into the societal stereotype that women are weak, I used to quip.

Well, I learned that periods are not easy for everyone. Period pain can be debilitating for many. Dysmenorrhea affects a significant percentage of girls and women i...