Odisha-Based Activist Pitches For Paid Menstrual Leave At UN; Know About Her

New York: A social activist from Odisha, Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, pitched for paid menstrual leaves for women during the ‘Summit of the Future’ event at the 79th UNGA in New York.

She has been leading the charge on paid menstrual leave for women at work in India and worldwide.

While expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address the issue, she emphasised that women should be granted 1-2 days of leave during menstruation. She also mentioned that she had the chance to thank over 40 PMs from various countries for implementing paid leave policies. “I am very grateful that today I have been able to attend the UN conference for the second time and my main issue is paid period leave. Paid period leave means that all working women should get 1-2 days leave during their periods and it should be paid; only then will they be able to take leave; otherwise, no woman will ever want to take leave thinking that her salary will be deducted,” she told ANI.

According to Ranjeeta, her campaign aligns with Articles 15(3) and 42 of the Indian Constitution, which mandate humane working conditions for women.

She said that Odisha government announced a one-day menstrual leave policy for women workers in both the state government and the private sector on August 15 this year. The leave will be optional and can be taken on either the first or second day of the menstrual cycle, depending on the woman’s preference.

This followed her first visit to a UN Conference in Kenya, where she spoke for the first time on the issue on a global stage.

She also appreciated the Karnataka government’s announcement of implementing six paid period leaves in a year but requested that the leaves be increased to 12 days. “I requested more than 40 prime ministers, presidents, and ministers of the country to implement paid leave in their countries too. I am also happy that the Karnataka government has announced the paid period leaves for six days but I would request them to increase the number of leaves by 12 days,” the social activist added.

She said that her efforts for paid period leaves came from her own experience when she was also working and requested leave due to her cramps, but faced humiliation from her manager, following which she resigned from the job. Her story has inspired changes and promoted a more inclusive and supportive environment for menstruating individuals not only in India but all around the world.

Her tireless efforts have catalysed a movement that now includes the implementation of paid period leave in 30 establishments across India and 27 international organizations. Countries such as Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the UAE have adopted similar policies, showcasing the global impact of her advocacy.

The LLM student emphasizes the need for supportive work environments for those experiencing menstruation-related issues like cramps, backaches, and migraines.

Ranjeeta’s journey and campaign have been documented in the book ‘Story Of a Young Woman Changemaker: Paid Period Leave Companion to Female Workers,’ written by Pradeep Kumar Singh and published by EvincePub Publishing. The book was launched on October 14, 2023, by Bollywood actress Ameesha Patel in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

A significant milestone was reached on July 5, 2024, with the International Conference on Paid Period Leave held at the Constitutional Club of India, New Delhi , as it was organized by Ranjeeta . The conference saw participation from representatives of 20 countries and featured notable speakers, including Dr. Rinchen Chophel, Director General of SAIEVAC and Vice Chair of the UN CRC, and the Managing Director of Bu Abdullah Group, UAE.

A Bollywood film is also expected to be released soon on paid period leave initiative.