Paternity Leave and Work-Life Balance

The concept of work-life balance, originating in the U.K., highlights the struggle for a balance between work and family responsibilities. Initially, the Women's Liberation Movement focused on reducing women's working hours due to household and childcare duties. However, modern times have shifted gender roles, making both men and women equally responsible for earning and caregiving. ?

Despite societal changes, women often still bear the burden of child-rearing, making paternity leave a step toward gender equality. Currently, in India, paternity leave policies are limited, with only 15 days available for government employees, compared to 182 days of maternity leave. This disparity perpetuates stereotypes, with women seen as primary caregivers, affecting their career opportunities.

?Significance of Paternity Leave:

?Gender Equality: Paternity leave helps break traditional gender roles, encouraging men to share in childcare responsibilities. Career Growth: It supports women in returning to work sooner, addressing the motherhood penalty, pay gaps, and workplace discrimination.

Paternity Benefit Bill, 2017 - A private member bill was proposed by the congress MP Rajeev Satav. This bill was an initiative to grant paternity leave to fathers working in all sectors including private and unorganised sectors. The bill made 15 days fully paid leave available to fathers out of which up to 7 days can be availed preceding the expected date of pregnancy. The leave can be taken within 3 months from the date of delivery of the child. The bill proposed to extend similar benefits to adoptive parents.

During presentation of the bill in Lok Sabha, a report of International Labour Organisation was cited, this report quoted researcher Erin Rehel on role of the father, "By drawing fathers into the daily realities of childcare, free of workplace constraints, extended time off provides the space necessary for fathers to develop the parenting skills and sense of responsibility that then allows them to be active co-parents rather than helpers to their female partners".

Child Development: Research shows that fathers who take leave form stronger bonds with their children, benefiting their social and emotional development. Family Dynamics: Fathers’ active participation in early childcare promotes better family relationships and reduces the risk of divorce.

Current Laws & Proposals:

India lacks comprehensive paternity leave laws, though a 2017 Paternity Benefit Bill aimed to grant 15 days of paid leave for fathers in all sectors. However, this bill has not passed.

Maternity leave laws have improved, but disparities remain. The government must introduce equitable paternity leave policies for all, including for adoption and surrogacy.

Conclusion: Paternity leave is essential for achieving gender equality, improving family dynamics, and benefiting child development. India needs stronger legislation that mandates equitable paternity leave across all sectors to ensure fair responsibility sharing between parents.

Effective implementation of paternity leave to unorganised sector looks like a pipe dream.

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