Odisha: An important news has come for women. The Odisha government has announced to start the system of paid leave during periods in the state, so that now women will not have to face problems during this time due to office. Women often have to face discomfort and pain during periods. Going to office and working during this time can be even more difficult, due to which women have to face many problems. Keeping this problem in mind, the Odisha government has taken an important step.
Odisha Government announced
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister P. Parida made an important announcement on Thursday. He said that a provision of one day paid leave will be made during menstruation for women employees of both government and private sectors in the state. This leave will be optional, which means that women can take leave on the first or second day of their menstruation, but it will depend on their voluntary choice. Parida made this announcement after attending the Independence Day celebrations in Cuttack. She also holds the charge of Women and Child Development Department.
Odia girl’s demand
This initiative was made possible after a demand was made by an Odia girl. At the United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024 held in Nairobi, Kenya, this girl stressed the need for paid leave during periods. Additionally, women activist from the state Ranjita Priyadarshini also raised this issue on the international platform and demanded paid leave for women during periods. She argued that women face a lot of problems during menstrual periods.
Situation of other states
Even before Odisha, some states have made provision for leave during periods. In Bihar, women are given two days of paid period leave every month since 1992. Apart from this, Kerala has made a provision to give period leave to girl students of all universities and institutions in 2023.
Smriti Irani’s controversial statement
There has been a long-standing demand for leave for periods in the country, but there has also been controversy over this issue. Last year, the then Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani made a controversial statement on this. She said that “there is no need for leave for periods. It is not a disease or disability.” Her statement sparked a debate across the country. Smriti Irani further said that menstruation is a natural part of life and should not be seen as a hindrance requiring special leave. With this new initiative, Odisha has taken an important step by understanding the problems of women, which can also be an inspiration for other states.
