The proposal submitted to the Federal Parliament to extend paid maternity leave to six months requires serious and prompt consideration. It is more than just a request, as it concerns a mother's recovery, a child's early growth, women's work, and the kind of society Nepal wishes to create. Childbirth puts immense physical and emotional strain on a woman. Many mothers are in pain and weary; their bodies are undergoing hormonal changes, and they face sleep deprivation. Others suffer from postpartum depression and complications arising from delivery. It is absurd to expect them to return to their professional responsibilities after just 98 days of leave. The first six months are equally important for a newborn, and it is recommended that a child be exclusively breastfed throughout this period. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and boosts immunity, protecting infants from some illnesses. Even so, it is difficult to sustain exclusive breastfeeding when a woman must return to work early, especially in the absence of a creche, a private nursing area, or adequate facilities for expressing and storing milk. While women in government institutions have relatively secure employment, many other women work on farms, in factories, stores, construction sites, and other informal sectors. Lawmaker Sita Thapaliya rightly said that the measure should benefit everyone, from women breaking stones to public servants. A maternity policy that solely covers paid workers in the formal sector would exclude the most disadvantaged mothers.
Expecting mothers and new mothers found receiving less counseli...
The proposal, however, must address one critical question: who will pay? Small businesses may be discouraged from recruiting women of reproductive age if they are forced to pay for six months of leave themselves. Some firms may secretly reject female applicants, postpone promotions, or dismiss pregnant employees. Parliament must ensure that maternity protection does not become another basis for discrimination against women. Maternity benefits could be covered jointly by the government, employers, and a social security fund. Informal workers and self-employed women should receive financial assistance through a workable registration system. Employers who terminate, demote, or harass women because they are pregnant or on maternity leave must face penalties. Many European and other wealthy nations provide extended paid maternity or parental leave, although the duration and payment rates vary. The European Union's laws guarantee minimum maternity and paternity rights, while some Nordic countries provide extended parental leave that parents can share. This practice carries an important lesson: childbirth and childcare should not be considered primarily a woman's responsibility. That principle should apply to Nepal as well. The proposal for 42 days of leave for male spouses merits support. A new father should assist his wife with her recovery, attend medical appointments, care for the infant, and handle household chores. Such leave for fathers would reinforce the idea that feeding, washing, and soothing a child are not solely mothers' responsibilities.
Paternity leave should be meaningful, compensated, and protected. A few days' break will not change family dynamics. Nepal might also explore allowing parents to share some childcare leave once the woman has completed the necessary physical recovery and nursing period. Meanwhile, leave alone will not resolve every issue. The Singha Durbar childcare center demonstrates the need for workplace childcare, yet such facilities remain uncommon. Larger public and private companies should establish childcare centers. Smaller businesses could share communal facilities. Flexible working hours, nursing facilities, and protection from mandatory overtime would make returning to work less difficult. Some say the key problem is implementation. Even the current 98-day entitlement is not always respected. Passing legislation without monitoring, financing, and easily accessible complaint mechanisms would not produce the desired outcome. Parliament should expand leave coverage to women in all forms of employment and approve the legislation without delay. Six months of maternity leave is indeed an investment in healthier mothers and children and a more equitable workforce.
