Neha Dhupia Says GoFlo Run Has Reached Over 10000 People Calls for Choice in Period Leave Debate

Neha Dhupia is bringing women together through the third edition of Stayfree GoFlo Run, an initiative that aims to promote menstrual health, hygiene and open conversations around women’s wellbeing. At the curtain-raiser event, attended by Angad Bedi, Anita Lobo, Soha Ali Khan, Kubbra Sait, Nupur Sanon and Simone, Neha reflected on the initiative’s journey, the growing community around it and the importance of creating spaces where women can participate without feeling judged for their fitness levels. She also shared her perspective on the ongoing debate around paid menstrual leave, emphasising that women should have the choice to decide what works best for their bodies.

Speaking about the journey of GoFlo Run and its third edition, Neha highlighted how the initiative has grown from an idea into a community-driven movement. “We didn't want to feel unsupported—without a community or people who share the same voice. When you have a voice and others connect with it, that’s when you realize the impact you’re making. When Anita came up with this idea and I joined forces with her, our only thought was to see where it would lead. We started without any specific expectations; we decided that whether others joined or not, we would go ahead with it,” she said. Reflecting on the response so far, Neha revealed that the initiative has received support from more than 10,000 people cumulatively through its events, teams and runners, with the numbers continuing to grow.

For Neha, however, the success of GoFlo Run is not defined by numbers alone. She explained that the larger purpose is to bring more voices together and encourage people to spread awareness about menstrual health. The initiative also organises one or two free events every month, offering women opportunities to participate in activities such as Pilates, yoga and running. Emphasising that fitness should not be a prerequisite for joining, Neha said women can begin their journeys at their own pace. She also spoke about the value of inspiration and community, particularly at a time when many people have reduced their outdoor running routines.

When asked about the growing preference for gym machines and indoor cardio over outdoor running, Neha said there is a unique sense of achievement in running outdoors and challenging oneself. “That is very interesting and important, too. But I feel there is a unique joy in running outdoors and pushing yourself to get fitter. You should be your own benchmark. A marathon isn't just a race against others; it’s a race to see the best version of yourself on that day,” she said. She added that the experience of participating matters just as much as performance, pointing out that completing the run itself is an achievement worth celebrating. Through GoFlo Run, she hopes to encourage more women to embrace movement while making menstrual health and hygiene an integral part of the conversation.

Neha also addressed the debate around paid leave during menstruation, maternity leave and postpartum leave, stressing that every woman’s experience is different. She believes these conversations deserve attention, but decisions should take individual needs and circumstances into account. “After all, the discussion about paid leave has been ongoing for years, yet it still hasn't been officially implemented. I’d like to point out that everyone’s body is different—women experience things differently; some feel pain, while others don’t. I feel this is definitely a conversation worth having—covering maternity leave, postpartum leave, and period leave,” she said. According to Neha, the discussion should recognise that no two women necessarily experience these phases in the same way.

Explaining her position further, Neha said women should be able to decide what they need while establishing their own personal and professional boundaries. She added that workplaces should provide the option rather than assume that every woman will want or require the same arrangements. “Every woman experiences these times differently; just because I’m going through something doesn't mean you aren't, or vice versa. So, I feel it should be left to them to choose how far they want to go in exercising that for themselves and setting their own personal and professional boundaries. But that option should be provided,” she said.

With GoFlo Run entering its third year, Neha continues to focus on building a supportive community where women can come together through fitness while speaking openly about subjects that are often overlooked. From encouraging beginners to take their first steps towards running to advocating for greater awareness of menstrual health, the initiative aims to make participation accessible and conversations more inclusive. Her comments on menstrual leave further underline the importance of recognising individual experiences and ensuring women have the freedom and support to make choices that work for them.