Why we need Paternity Leaves
Parental leave is the leave of absence granted to parents on the birth of their child (may include after, before or both). Countries all over the world provide paid paternity leave to their citizens. Some countries especially the developed nations of the world provide paternity leave on the adoption of a kid as well.
There are two categories in parental leave
- Maternity leave
2. Paternity leave
As their names suggest maternity leave is given to mothers when a child is (or adopted) and paternity leave is given to fathers when a child is born (or adopted). Maternity leave is acknowledged all over the world, but the concept of paternity leave is still novel.
Here are the reasons why paid paternity leave is need of the hour.
1) A modern concept:
Almost two-thirds of all children under twelve months around the world (approximately 90 million people) reside in countries with legislation that do not allow fathers to have a single paid day of paternity leave. As men are generally the main breadwinners in the family, their ability to take parental leave is limited because it is unpaid. The countries that do offer paternity leave provide the employees with an option to either take paid leave or receive some other incentives; most men go with the second option.
2) Double standards of the culture:
The mother’s role in raising the child is taken for granted as it is a prevailing notion that childcare should fall mainly on them. The act of raising kids, which though should be normal, for both parents is only as a routine work if a woman does it. Whereas when a man also contributes to it, he is deemed heroic.
3) Catering to the needs of new mothers
Raising a newborn is an extraordinarily stressful experience and has the potential to create a complex and secluded environment for a new mother. Paternity leave allows fathers to be a primary caregiver and to recognize and provide for during these challenges. It also takes the pressure off new mothers, who often feel like they’re facing this challenge alone. If an older child/en are also present in the home, it makes it easier for the mother to give her undivided attention to the new family member who needs it the most.
4) Promoting gender equality
When on one hand paid maternity leave promotes women empowerment, it also constrains their employment and growth opportunities. Corporates tend to hire more men rather than women because they would not want to waste cents on employee’s crucial paid leaves. According to some analysts this also leads to fewer opportunities for growth and promotion for women. Paternity leave will put an end to this norm of organizations taking advantage of the biology of their employees.
Seeing fathers are caregivers reduces gender discrimination in the labor force, including the pay gap (paternity leave decreases wage loss for women).
Paternal leave promotes gender equity in both the working and private spheres. Increasing its duration to maternity leave standards could be a very innovative strategy to break down longstanding cultural norms about gender, work and household responsibilities.
Paternity leave bill Pakistan:
Paternity Leave was provided under Revised Leave Rules, 1981 in the Punjab province. New fathers are granted a maximum of 7 days of paternity leave on or immediately before the birth of a child. This leave was admissible only two times during the entire service.
Previously there was no provision in the law on paid or unpaid paternity leave for the private sector workers.
In line with the National Commission on the Status of Women Employees (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2018, male employees in regular service were entitled to 10 days of fully paid paternity leave outside his leave account from the date of spouse’s confinement.
Similarly, Sindh Police has also issued notification of 10 days paternity leave outside leave account for all officers and officials immediately on or after the birth of a child. Paternity and Maternity leave bill 2018 states that, women will get paid maternity leave of:
· 180 days (six months) on first birth
· 120 days (four months) on second birth
· 90 days (three months) on third birth
According to the bill, men will get paid paternity leave of:
· 30 days (one month), a total of three times during service
Conclusion:
Paid paternity leave is although an old concept in the world yet many countries including Pakistan are still taking initial steps for the cause. But even this is appreciable. Moreover, our country needs to educate its people about what paternity leave is and how it is crucial for the family. We are progressing towards an era where men are not the sole breadwinners of the household. Thus, in such a circumstance it is important for us to promote men to assist in house chores as well. In this way we will be able to progress towards gender equality. We need a reformed policy for freelance workers too.
