Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Paternity Leave Policies: Global Trends and Local Practices

Soon-do Kim^{* *}Correspondence: Soon-do Kim, Department of Womens Health Care, Fudan University, China, Email:

Author info »

Paternity leave has emerged as a critical issue in discussions about work-life balance and gender equality. As societies evolve, the need for equitable parental leave policies has gained prominence, reflecting broader shifts in family dynamics and workplace expectations. This article explores the global trends in paternity leave policies and examines local practices that shape how fathers engage in early child-rearing [1].

Historically, paternity leave was minimal or nonexistent, with the primary focus on maternity leave. However, there has been a significant shift towards recognizing the importance of fathers' involvement in early child-rearing. Many countries have introduced or expanded paternity leave policies to address this changing perspective.

Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Iceland have pioneered generous paternity leave policies. These nations offer substantial leave periods and encourage fathers to take time off, aiming to foster a more balanced distribution of childcare responsibilities. For example, Sweden provides 90 days of paid parental leave specifically for fathers, which can be used flexibly over the child's first year. Several countries offer economic incentives to encourage fathers to take paternity leave. In the UK, fathers can access two weeks of paid paternity leave, with an additional option for shared parental leave, allowing both parents to distribute the leave period. The financial support provided aims to make it more feasible for fathers to take time off without financial strain [2, 3].

In some regions, paternity leave is mandated by law, while in others, it is determined by individual company policies. In Japan, for instance, the government mandates two weeks of paternity leave, but the uptake has historically been low due to cultural expectations and workplace norms. In contrast, companies in progressive regions may offer more extensive leave as part of their commitment to employee well-being [4, 5].

Local cultural norms significantly influence paternity leave practices. In countries with traditional gender roles, such as many parts of Asia and Africa, paternity leave is often limited or culturally stigmatized. For instance, in some areas, fathers may face social pressure to prioritize work over family responsibilities, leading to lower uptake of available leave. The implementation of paternity leave policies can vary widely depending on workplace culture. In tech-savvy and progressive industries, companies may offer more generous leave packages and actively encourage fathers to use them. Conversely, in more traditional sectors, taking paternity leave might be less common due to concerns about career impact or company culture. The availability and quality of paternity leave are often linked to broader social support systems. In countries with strong social safety nets, such as Germany and France, paternity leave is typically well-supported, allowing fathers to take time off without significant financial burden. In contrast, in countries with less comprehensive social support, paternity leave might be shorter or less well-compensated [6, 7].

One of the ongoing challenges is encouraging fathers to take advantage of paternity leave. In many cultures, there is still a stigma associated with men taking time off for family reasons. Addressing these cultural barriers and promoting the benefits of shared parenting are crucial for increasing uptake. Ensuring that all fathers, regardless of their economic status or occupation, have equitable access to paternity leave is essential. Policies should be designed to accommodate diverse needs and situations, including those of lowincome and non-traditional workers. As family structures evolve, paternity leave policies will need to adapt to meet the needs of diverse family models, including single fathers, same-sex couples, and non-biological parents. Future policy developments should aim to be inclusive and flexible, reflecting the changing nature of modern families [8, 9].

Paternity leave policies are a critical component of modern parental leave frameworks, reflecting broader societal changes towards gender equality and work-life balance. While global trends indicate a positive movement towards more inclusive and supportive paternity leave, local practices vary widely based on cultural, economic, and workplace factors. Continued efforts to address challenges and promote equitable access will be essential in ensuring that all fathers have the opportunity to participate fully in early child-rearing, ultimately benefiting families and societies as a whole [10].

References

1. Swain SM, Shastry M, Hamilton E. Targeting HER2-positive breast cancer: advances and future directions. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2023;22(2):101-26.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

2. Patel AK. Breast radiology advocacy: responding to the call-to-action. Radiol Clin. 2021;59(1):13-7.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

3. Weber WP, Gentilini OD, Morrow M, Montagna G, de Boniface J, Fitzal F, et al. Uncertainties and controversies in axillary management of patients with breast cancer. Cancer Treat Rev. 2023:102556.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

4. Sessa C, Balmaña J, Bober SL, Cardoso MJ, Colombo N, Curigliano G, et al. Risk reduction and screening of cancer in hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndromes: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Oncol. 2023;34(1):33-47.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

5. Magbanua MJ, Swigart LB, Wu HT, Hirst GL, Yau C, Wolf DM, et al. Circulating tumor DNA in neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer reflects response and survival. Ann Oncol. 2021;32(2):229-39.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

6. Turner MC, Andersen ZJ, Baccarelli A, Diver WR, Gapstur SM, Pope III CA, et al. Outdoor air pollution and cancer: An overview of the current evidence and public health recommendations. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(6):460-79.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

7. Ehrlich-Jones L, Durkin J, Byrne R, Todd A, Reis JP, Wolfman J, et al. Breast health experiences in women with cerebral palsy: a qualitative approach. Womens Health Rep. 2021;2(1):195-200.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

8. Caswell-Jin JL, Sun LP, Munoz D, Lu Y, Li Y, Huang H, et al. Analysis of Breast Cancer Mortality in the US—1975 to 2019. JAMA. 2024;331(3):233-41.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

9. Weber WP, Morrow M, de Boniface J, Pusic A, Montagna G, Kappos EA, et al. Knowledge gaps in oncoplastic breast surgery. Lancet Oncol. 2020;21(8):e375-85.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

10. Thomas TH, Bender C, Donovan HS, Murray PJ, Taylor S, Rosenzweig M, et al. The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a self-advocacy serious game for women with advanced breast or gynecologic cancer. Cancer. 2023;129(19):3034-43.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref