Written by Ulla Jurviste, Martina Prpic and Giulio Sabbati,- Updated in March 2019
In 2019, the EU institutions are set to approve new work-life balance legislation, which will introduce minimum standards for paid paternity leave across the EU. The maternity rights set out in the 1992 Pregnant Workers Directive will be maintained. This directive sets the minimum period for maternity leave at 14 weeks, with 2 weeks’ compulsory leave before and/or after confinement and an adequate allowance subject to national legislation.
In 2008, the Commission proposed to extend the duration of maternity leave to 18 weeks in accordance with the guidelines of the International Labour Organization, making at least 6 weeks compulsory after confinement, with an allowance amounting to full salary. Parliament accepted this proposal in 2010, whilst extending it to 20 weeks of maternity leave and 2 weeks of paternity leave under the same conditions.
Direct Link to Full 4-Page Publication:
https://www.gage.odi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/CSW-Social-Protection-Policy-Note-WEB-1.pdf
ODI-Gage & Via SVRI – Sexual Violence Research Initiative
Direct Link to Full 22-Page December 2018 Publication:
The mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.
Direct Link to Full 115-Page 2019 OECD Publication:
Reforms have improved women’s economic inclusion, but gaps remain, ten-year study shows.
WASHINGTON, World Bank - February 27, 2019— Globally, women are accorded only three-quarters of the legal rights that men enjoy according to a new index released by the World Bank today, constraining their ability to get jobs or start businesses and make economic decisions that are best for them and their families.
“If women have equal opportunities to reach their full potential, the world would not only be fairer, it would be more prosperous as well,” said World Bank Group Interim President KristalinaGeorgieva. “Change is happening, but not fast enough, and 2.7 billion women are still legally barred from having the same choice of jobs as men. It is paramount that we remove the barriers that hold women back, and with this report we aim to demonstrate that reforms are possible, and to accelerate change.”
