Activist Advocates Paid Menstrual Leave At UN

NEW YORK, NY (ANI) – Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, a social activist from Odisha, emphasized the need for paid menstrual leaves for women during the ‘Summit of the Future’ event at the 79th UNGA in New York.

She said that the paid period leave initiative is for all the working women, and they should get one to two-day leave during their period and that their leaves would be paid so that women would take leave without thinking about their salary being deducted due to their leave.

“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 said.

Priyadarshini 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.

Notably, her efforts have sparked significant conversations around menstrual health and the well-being of women. Priyadarshini’s story has inspired changes and promoted a more inclusive and supportive environment for menstruating individuals not only in India but all around the world.

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