Global Leaders Unite at the UN CC to Champion Paid Period Leave as a Human Right
The 4th International Conference on Paid Period Leave convened on September 20, 2025, at the United Nations Church Centre, New York, USA, marking a historic moment in the global movement for menstrual equity. Organized by Ms. Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, Global Campaigner and Founder of the Paid Period Leave initiative, the conference was proudly sponsored by Ecof Enterprise and supported by CSNR, Odia Society of America and so other international and national organizations. The event brought together diplomats, filmmakers, actors, advocates, journalists, innovators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, health professionals, and policy leaders from across continents to advance the dialogue on menstrual dignity, workplace justice, and inclusive policy reform.
The event opened with a powerful screening of the documentary “Paid Period Leave — A Right, Not a Favour”, directed by Pradeep Kumar Nayak and produced by Ranjan Kumar Dash, Jagamohan Tripathy, and Ansuman Nayak, with Creative Director Ashish Kumar Nayak. The film spotlighted the lived realities of working women and the urgent need for institutional reform. Paid Period Leave — A Right, Not a Favour is not just a film—it is a movement. It calls on governments to recognize menstrual health as a workplace issue, on employers to adopt inclusive leave policies, and on society to dismantle the silence surrounding menstruation. With its international debut, the documentary positions menstrual equity as central to sustainable development, gender justice, and human rights.
Renowned chef, filmmaker, and humanitarian Mr. Vikas Khanna and Ms. Renee Knorr Actor, Author, Award Winning Model, USA officially launched the documentary Paid Period Leave — A Right, Not a Favour, lending their voice and stature to amplify the film’s global message. Their presence underscored the intersection of art, advocacy, and empathy, as they praised the documentary for “illuminating a silent struggle with grace and urgency.”
A distinguished panel of delegates convened to discuss key issues centered on policy and diplomacy, with Ms. Ranjeeta Priyadarshini sharing her inspiring journey from Odisha to the global stage. She highlighted the successful implementation of paid period leave in Odisha and the growing momentum for similar reforms in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Bihar. Mr Rui Dai, President of International Artifical Intelligence Association, commended the movement’s cross-border significance, while Dr. Omopeju Afanu of the United Nations Association of Nigeria advocated for the UN-wide adoption of menstrual leave policies.
The panellists acknowledged the impact of Ranjeeta’s advocacy and jointly launched a special edition magazine on paid period leave, which chronicles her journey, strategies, and achievements in advancing the cause.
Ms. Subhasmita Mishra, Executive Magistrate of Odisha, moderated the panel, highlighting the administrative challenges and triumphs in implementing paid period leave at the grassroots level. Her insights bridged policy with practice, reinforcing the importance of local governance in global change.
The panel also discussed about the innovation and outreach, led by Ms. Lubna Dajani, CEO of Allternet Catalyst Now, USA, who emphasized the role of tech platforms in amplifying menstrual health narratives. Ms. Fahima Atawna from Israel discussed community engagement strategies that dismantle stigma and build inclusive workplaces. Mr. Nagesh Rajanala, President of The Odisha Society of the Americas, underscored the diaspora’s role in advocating for progressive policies abroad, while moderator Ms. Sushmita Pradhan brought a business lens to the conversation, stressing the economic benefits of supporting women’s health in the workplace.
Ashoke Raj, Associate Editor at The Pioneer newspaper — reported on the initiative of paid period leave and helped amplify it on a global platform through their coverage including Journalist and strategist Ms. Yayne Hailu emphasized the power of storytelling in shifting public perception and policy. Several senior journalists from India — including Suchitra Mukherjee from ANI and The organizers deeply respect their contribution and consider them part of our mission. Also Special Thanks to Budhadev ji from Florida for all the media support.
Ms. Silvia Abud from Brazil shared legislative in sights, advocating for childhood and adolescent menstrual rights.
Throughout the conference, speakers celebrated the adoption of paid period leave by 74 companies across India, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Kenya, showcasing the private sector’s growing commitment to menstrual dignity. The endorsement of the global memorandum by Thailand’s government was hailed as a major diplomatic win.
Mr. Rui Dai, President of the International Artificial Intelligence Association, emphasized that AI must serve humanity by actively engaging in global dialogues on dignity, health, and equality—affirming its role in advancing inclusive, ethical solutions for a more just future.
The conference was not only a platform for dialogue but a declaration of intent. Delegates called on international bodies, including the UN, to formally recognize paid period leave as a human right and integrate it into labour and health frameworks.