Event Overview: The conference was held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament, coinciding with World Menstrual Hygiene Day. It brought together policymakers, academics, civil‑society representatives, health advocates and delegates from the United Kingdom, India, Ghana, Nigeria, China, France, Spain and other nations.
Organisers & Partners: Organized by the Global South Corridor in partnership with Vishv Umiya Foundation (VUF), ECOF Enterprises and MHM‑KIT.
Key Advocate: Ms. Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, Founder of the Global Campaign for Paid Period Leave, promoted a policy of one to two days paid menstrual leave for working women and emphasized the broader need for menstrual wellbeing in workplace and public‑policy discourse.
Policy References: Mentioned backing from Bihar MLA Lalan Singh and support from stakeholders in Karnataka and Odisha. Cited Nairobi City County Government’s approval of paid menstrual leave for women employees as a concrete policy example.
Speakers & Messages:
Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, Executive Director, Global South Corridor – highlighted the role of the Global South in shaping global conversations on menstrual health and dignity.
Sweta Mohanty, Executive Director – urged inclusion of menstrual wellbeing in broader workplace health discussions and advocated flexible work arrangements.
Lord Rami Ranger – expressed personal support for the campaign and called on policymakers to advance dignity and equality for women.
Ms. Marion Walker, UNICEF Representative – underscored menstrual health’s importance for women’s wellbeing and workforce participation.
Chenxing Liu, UK Director, Asian Women Development Plan International – framed paid period leave as a workplace equality measure, not a privilege.
Mceva Temofe, President & Founder, African Economic Global Convergence – highlighted African policy developments, referencing Nairobi City County’s approval.
Councillor Sumeet Jalan – stressed education for boys and men on menstrual health and announced plans to raise the issue within Bromley Council.
Partha Sarathi Panda, Executive Director – delivered vote of thanks, emphasizing sustained policy engagement and international cooperation.
Cultural Elements: International launch of the “Paid Period Leave International Song” composed by Rui Dai, Chairperson of the International Artificial Intelligence Association; screening of a documentary showcasing women’s experiences worldwide.
Outcome: The conference concluded with a call for continued international cooperation to promote menstrual dignity, workplace equality and supportive policies for women globally.
