Just five major companies allow all mothers and fathers to share a full year of paid parental leave, a workplace equality organisation said on Monday, as rights groups said closing the gap would combat discrimination towards women.
“Parenthood should not be a barrier in anyone’s career,” said Equileap CEO Diana van Maasdijk. “Offering parental leave to men is essential to both male and female professionals, in order for women not to be discriminated against when they are pregnant, take a maternity leave or have young children.”
Companies often follow suit, with most offering mothers more time off to care for a new child than the father. Rights groups argue that defaulting towards women as primary carers impedes their careers, with many losing out on promotions due to taking time out from the workplace or cutting back their hours to balance work and childcare. It may also result in some companies being unwilling to hire women of childbearing age.