Maternity Leave Counts
Summary
Nepal has proposed six-month maternity leave and 42-day paternity leave under an amendment to the Safe Motherhood and Reproduction Health Rights Act, 2018. The measure aims to support maternal recovery, newborn care, breastfeeding, and greater participation of fathers in parenting.
Key Points
- The government has proposed six-month maternity leave and 42-day paternity leave in an amendment to the Safe Motherhood and Reproduction Health Rights Act, 2018.
- The bill also seeks stronger safe-motherhood provisions, including skilled health workers, respectful maternity care, and protection against violence toward pregnant and postpartum women.
- The article argues that longer leave supports maternal recovery, newborn care, breastfeeding, and women’s ability to continue their careers after childbirth.
- It says parental leave should be gender-neutral and encourages men to take leave as caregivers.
