LONDON: Paid Period Leave campaigner Ranjita Priyadarshini has soft launched her new book at an event in London led by Sweta Mohanty, a prominent figure in the Global South Corridor. Ms. Priyadarshini, an Odisha-based activist and founder of the Paid Period Leave movement, advocates for workplace policies recognising menstrual health needs. The book launch marks a milestone in her global efforts, bringing together advocates, community leaders and supporters to discuss gender equality and policy reform.
Priyadarshini has been tirelessly advocating for paid menstrual leave policies over the past several years, engaging with policymakers, ministers, and government officials at multiple levels — both nationally and internationally — as well as with private organizations, including prestigious global platforms such as the United Nations. The event brought together members of the Odisha and Indian diaspora, who had the opportunity to interact with Ms. Priyadarshini. She shared her thoughts and insights on her journey, highlighting the tremendous effort she has invested to make this campaign a globally recognized act of justice. She also elaborated on a significant gap she observed in policies and laws affecting working women, which inspired her to author her book, “International Law for Women Workers”, aimed at addressing these shortcomings and providing a framework for meaningful change.
The gathering was further honoured by the presence of several eminent personalities, including Captain Arun Kar (Retd), along with Partha Panda and Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Pattnayak, key leaders of the Global South Corridor, who continue to play a pivotal role in shaping its vision and global engagements. The Global South Corridor is a platform dedicated to fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across social, economic, and policy initiatives in the Global South, with a focus on empowering communities and amplifying impactful voices.
The event was hosted at Chilika Restaurant, a space that goes beyond being an Odia and Indian cuisine restaurant. Chilika has emerged as a vibrant cultural and social hub for the diaspora — actively promoting Odisha and Indian heritage, fostering community dialogue, and supporting social, cultural, and thought-leadership initiatives. The evening was complemented by a carefully curated, sumptuous meal prepared under the guidance of one of the restaurant’s founders, Subhakanta Das adding warmth and authenticity to the gathering. The occasion provided a distinguished platform for dialogue and interaction among key members of the Odisha and Indian diaspora.
The London gathering stood as a powerful reflection of how diaspora-led platforms can amplify voices of change and translate lived realities into global conversations. Through the soft launch of International Law for Women Workers, the event reinforced the importance of sustained advocacy, inclusive policy frameworks, and cross-border dialogue in advancing dignity and equity for working women. By bringing together activists, community leaders, and global South stakeholders in a culturally rooted yet internationally relevant setting, the Global South Corridor reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing meaningful discourse and supporting initiatives that drive lasting social impact.
Media Contact Benjamin Singh Sadhu from the Premium News Wire
