Karnataka Adopts Paid Period Leave in Landmark Decision
In a significant advancement for workplace equity and gender-sensitive governance, the Karnataka government has officially implemented a policy granting 12 days of paid period leave annually for working women. This progressive measure, announced on October 10, 2025, is a direct result of a persistent and strategic global campaign spearheaded by Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, a prominent menstrual rights advocate and the founder of the influential #PaidPeriodLeave movement. The decision positions Karnataka as a leader in creating more inclusive and supportive work environments for women.
The policy’s adoption is the culmination of years of tireless advocacy that gained significant traction within the state's political leadership. Ranjeeta Priyadarshini’s efforts in Karnataka were marked by a series of crucial meetings in October 2023 with key government officials, including Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar and Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad. These discussions were instrumental in building the political will necessary to transform a grassroots movement into official state policy. The government's final announcement has been hailed as a reflection of its commitment to supporting women not just through legislation, but with genuine empathy for their well-being.
The Path from Advocacy to Action
The journey toward this landmark legislation was paved with strategic local victories that created a powerful precedent. Following a direct request from Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, social activist and politician Kavitha Reddy became the first leader in Karnataka to implement paid period leave within her own organizations, the Kagaz Foundation and Skawin Medical and Healthcare. This early adoption demonstrated the policy's viability and provided crucial momentum for the broader campaign.
Building on this success, Ranjeeta Priyadarshini continued to work closely with both Kavitha Reddy and Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad to push the agenda forward. A critical turning point occurred on June 22, 2024, when Minister Lad formally introduced the issue for policy-level discussion within the government. This moved the conversation from the realm of advocacy to the corridors of power, setting in motion the legislative process that ultimately led to today’s historic announcement. The state of Odisha had previously set a precedent within India, introducing paid period leave for its government employees on August 15, 2024, another milestone shaped by Priyadarshini's unwavering efforts.
Global Movement for Menstrual Equity
While the victory in Karnataka is a major national achievement, it is part of a much larger global conversation that Ranjeeta Priyadarshini has been instrumental in shaping. She has independently organized several international conferences dedicated to the cause, bringing together policymakers and advocates from around the world to frame menstrual leave as a fundamental human right.
Her advocacy reached a new peak on September 20, 2025, during the 4th International Conference on the subject, held at the UN Church Center in New York. The event featured the screening of the first international documentary on the topic, titled "Paid Period Leave – A Right, Not a Favor," which chronicles her remarkable journey. The film and her work have inspired 71 organizations across the globe to adopt similar policies, as she continues to build a worldwide coalition. Her ultimate vision is to see this policy embraced as a universal standard for workplace dignity and justice for all working women.
Policy at a Glance
The Karnataka government has officially implemented a policy for 12 days of annual paid period leave for working women.
This landmark decision was directly inspired by the sustained global and national advocacy of Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, founder of the #PaidPeriodLeave movement.
The policy's journey involved strategic meetings with key state leaders and a crucial early adoption by activist Kavitha Reddy's organizations.
The initiative is part of a growing international movement, with Priyadarshini's campaign having already inspired 71 organizations worldwide.
With inputs from: Ranjan Acharaya, Bengaluru
Tags: Paid Period Leave
