Mr Francis-Xavier Sosu, a Member of Parliament representing Madina under the National Democratic Congress, has called for significant changes in parental leave policies to address gender disparities. He proposed extending parental leave for fathers to allow them to support their spouses after childbirth, advocating for a duration ranging from seven days to four weeks. Mr Sosu emphasized that the existing three-month maternity leave for women was insufficient and urged for a more extensive leave policy to promote gender equality.
Speaking at a stakeholders' briefing workshop on the Maternity Leave Extension, Paternity Leave Introduction, and removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported pads Bill held in Parliament on Monday, Mr Sosu highlighted the importance of amending existing legislation to accommodate these changes. The workshop aimed to address a Private Member's Bill proposing an extension of maternity leave from three months to four months, with an option for an additional two weeks in specific circumstances such as caesarean section, stillbirth(s), or multiple births.
The proposed Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2023, also known as Parental Leave for All, seeks to introduce paid paternity leave for men for a minimum of seven days. This initiative aims to allow new mothers adequate time to give birth, exclusively breastfeed, care for and bond with their newborns, and recover before returning to work. Mr Sosu stressed that paternity leave would enable fathers to actively participate in childcare responsibilities, fostering shared responsibility in parenting.
Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, a National Democratic Congress MP of Ada, emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible sanitary pads for women's health, dignity, and access to education. She called for the elimination of import duties and Value Added Tax on sanitary pads to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder women's access to menstrual hygiene products.
Madam Gifty Twum Ampofo, a New Patriotic Party MP for Abuakwa North, urged for a non-politicized approach to addressing gender-related issues, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to support both genders holistically. Other speakers echoed the importance of providing sanitary pads to students in various schools to ensure their access to essential hygiene products.
The discussions at the workshop underscored the importance of legislative reforms to promote gender equality, support parental responsibilities, and ensure access to basic hygiene necessities for women. As stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue and advocacy, the hope is to enact policies that prioritize the well-being and rights of all individuals, regardless of gender.
