India, Oct. 12 -- Karnataka recently made a bold move that could reshape how workplaces across India treat women's health. The state's Congress government has approved a menstrual leave policy, allowing women in both the government and private sectors to take one paid day off per month during their period - a total of 12 days a year.

While Karnataka's news policy is seen as a welcome step by many, it isn't the first time menstrual leave has been discussed in India, and it represents a significant move in the debate. Karnataka is one of the few states in India to extend this benefit beyond government offices to include the private sector.

The state cabinet has greenlit a policy that allows all working women, across industries and sectors...