By: Krishnakumar KT

At the heart of a nation’s progress lies a simple yet powerful truth: India becomes truly strong only when every woman feels safe, respected, and financially independent.

As the Chairman and Managing Director of the Oleevia Group, I have always believed that business is not just about profit margins or market share; it is about the people who build it. For too long, corporate culture has overlooked the biological and social realities of its workforce. Today, I am proud to share how we are redefining what socially responsible business looks like in contemporary India.

Breaking the Taboo: Paid Menstrual Wellness Leave

One of our most impactful interventions has been the introduction of a one-day ‘paid menstrual wellness leave’ every month for all women employees across our organizations.

In many workplaces, menstruation is treated as a taboo or a mere inconvenience. However, we recognize that many women experience intense physical pain and emotional stress during their cycle. By providing this leave—without requiring medical certificates or intrusive questions—we are moving away from judgment and toward a culture of trust and compassion.

Rest during this period is not a privilege; it is a basic human right. Historically, this was part of Indian cultural practice, and it is time we reintegrate this empathy into our modern professional lives.

Financial Empowerment as a Catalyst for Change

Beyond workplace dignity, our mission extends to financial inclusion. Through Oleevia Grameen Credits, an RBI-licensed NBFC, we are working to expand ethical financial services across rural and semi-urban India.

Our focus is specifically on:

• Supporting women entrepreneurs.
• Empowering self-help groups and tribal communities.
• Integrating financial literacy, insurance planning, and investment awareness.

By helping women transition from daily wage earners to confident micro-entrepreneurs, we are not just building businesses—we are building healthy families and a stronger nation.

A Holistic Vision for the Future

My vision for the Oleevia Group is rooted in ethical business practices that foster a self-reliant society. This includes:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting organic food systems and healthy living.
• Education: Driving transformation through initiatives like the Jnan Institute of Bharat.
• Youth Employment: Investing in skill development and creative platforms for the next generation.

True development is “truly human” when it balances economic growth with empathy and social justice. I invite you to join us on this journey as we continue to shape a more humane, equitable, and self-reliant India.

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News Credit: This blog post is based on an article originally published in Mint. Source: LiveMint Epapers