Odisha becomes third state to implement one-day paid menstrual leave for working women

An Odia girl had raised her voice seeking paid leave during periods at the United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024 held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Odisha became the third state after Kerala and Bihar to bring in a menstrual leave policy for working women amid a nationwide demand for such a paid leave for students and working women.

The leave, however, will be optional. Parida, who is also in charge of the women and child development department, made the announcement after attending an Independence Day programme in Cuttack.

The women employees can take the leave on the first or second day of the menstrual cycle. “It will be optional,” she said.

Bihar introduced its policy in 1992, allowing women two days of paid menstrual leave each month. In 2023, Kerala extended menstrual leave to female students in all universities and institutions, along with up to 60 days of maternity leave for female students over 18. Some companies, including Zomato, have also adopted menstrual leave policies

An Odia girl had raised her voice seeking paid leave during periods at the United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024 held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ranjita Priyadarshini, a woman activist from Odisha, had also drawn the attention of all the delegates at the international conference regarding paid leave for women during menstruation.
She argued that women across the world suffer due to physical pain during their menstruation.

On July 9, 2024, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking mandatory menstrual leave for women, citing that it falls under the government's policy domain. The court also noted that the government has not yet made any decisions on the matter.

(With inputs from PTI)