Odia woman urges Union Labour Minister for provision of paid menstrual leave for working women

Bhubaneswar, May 29: On the occasion of the World Menstrual Health Day, an Odia woman, who is also a social activist, has urged the Union Labour Minister for provision of menstrual leave with pay for the working-class women. Woman activist Ranjeeta Priyadarshini has written a letter to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav in this connection. She pleaded, “Since women constitute nearly one-third of the total workforce in India, such a provision is essential for them as these are the most ‘discomforting days’ for the woman community. However, it’s a compulsion for them to work anyhow during an unhealthy condition.” Explaining the menstrual related ailments, Ranjita said, “As a working class woman I have encountered numerous cases and faced difficulties at my periods in my office. Thousands of such women workers suffered during their periods while at work due to lack of access to proper toilets, restrooms and other woman friendly amenities. Some of the most common symptoms that menstruating women deal with are, cramps, backache, migraines and anemic weaknesses for profuse bleeding.” Article 15 (3) and Article 42 of the Indian Constitution says that the state shall create special provisions for women providing just and humane conditions for work. And hence, paid monthly period leave for all women workers in the country is what necessary for a civilized country and the need of the time, added Ranjeeta. Apart from writing the letter to the Labour Ministry, Ranjeeta urged one and all for initiating a social campaign on the social and hygienic issues of the women in social domains so as to create pressure at the end of the state and the Center.