<
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/10/south-africa-to-introduce-shared-parental-leave-after-landmark-judgment>
"South Africa is set to become the first country in Africa to introduce shared
parental leave after a high court ruled that both parents must have the right
to time off after the birth of a baby or adopting a child.
The landmark judgment allows parents to choose how to divide four months
parental leave between them.
Previously, mothers were entitled to four months’ leave while fathers or
partners were allowed a maximum of 10 days.
While there has been growth in the number of African nations guaranteeing paid
leave for fathers over the past 20 years, in many countries it remains below
three weeks. Some only allow two or three days off.
Campaigners have labelled it a tremendous step. Wessel van den Berg, MenCare
officer at Equimundo, a gender equality organisation, said: “It raises the bar
on leave for parents in a wonderful way. I’m thrilled our law is becoming more
in line with our constitution.”
He added that while the judgment was “a significant milestone”, it also
highlighted the need for further reforms to align policy with the reality of
life in the country. Politicians have two years to refine and develop the law.
Nkululeko Mbuli, communications strategist for Embrace, a social movement for
mothers, said the policy was a move in the right direction but “it still
shortchanges mothers”.
She said that the judgment, issued last month, placed responsibility for leave
with individuals rather than “building a caring system”. The unemployed and
those working in insecure employment were left out, she said.
“Mothers want to be excited but they are concerned about the practical
implications,” she said."
Via
Future Crunch:
<
https://futurecrunch.com/good-news-child-nutrition-human-rights-bhutan-ocean-png/>
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
