Mothers around the world receive significantly more paid parental leave than fathers, highlighting a persistent gender gap in caregiving responsibilities that can affect women’s careers, family incomes and economic opportunities.
A new policy brief from UN Women and the World Bank Group reveals that mothers receive an average of 196 days of paid leave, compared with only 25 days for fathers. The findings suggest that unequal parental leave policies continue to place a disproportionate share of childcare responsibilities on women.
The report, titled From Parenthood Leave to Childcare Services: Building Care Systems That Work for Women, Families and Economies, examines parental leave arrangements across 190 economies and calls for stronger support systems that allow both parents to participate in raising children.
MANY FATHERS HAVE LITTLE OR NO PAID LEAVE
The research highlights significant differences in the legal protections available to mothers and fathers. In 66 of the 190 economies examined, fathers are not guaranteed any paid parental leave. Among the economies that provide some form of paid leave for fathers, half offer fewer than two weeks.
However, mothers also face substantial gaps in protection. The report found that 61 economies provide less than the International Labour Organization’s recommended minimum of 14 weeks of maternity leave. In six economies, mothers are not guaranteed paid leave at all.
These findings show that parental leave remains unevenly distributed, with many families lacking sufficient time and financial support to care for newborn children.
WOMEN FACE LONG-TERM CAREER AND FINANCIAL PRESSURE
The imbalance does not end when parents return to work. Women frequently continue carrying a larger share of unpaid household responsibilities, including childcare and caring for other family members.
According to the report, women spend an average of 2.5 times as many hours per day on unpaid care work as men. This additional responsibility can make it more difficult for women to maintain full-time employment, pursue career development or increase their earnings.
The consequences can contribute to what is commonly described as the “motherhood penalty”, where women experience disadvantages in employment and income after becoming parents.
When fathers have access to parental leave and use it, they are more likely to remain involved in childcare and household responsibilities over the longer term. Greater participation by fathers can help mothers return to work and improve their opportunities to earn an income.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES CAN BENEFIT FROM SHARED CARE
More balanced parental leave policies could also benefit children and strengthen family relationships. The report links more involved fathering with positive outcomes for children, including better language development, emotional regulation, behaviour and cognitive functioning.
Research cited in the policy brief also indicates that many men want to take a more active role in caring for their children. However, workplace policies and limited flexibility can prevent fathers from participating as fully as they would like.
The challenge extends beyond caring for young children. Around one in four parents also provides care for older people, often with limited assistance. This can place additional pressure on households already managing employment, childcare and other responsibilities.
CALLS FOR MORE EQUAL PARENTAL LEAVE POLICIES
UN Women and the World Bank Group are calling for stronger care systems that recognise caregiving as a shared responsibility. Proposed priorities include more equitable parental and carers’ leave, policies that encourage fathers to take leave, improved social protection and better access to childcare services.
UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda has emphasised that care supports families, societies and economies, yet women continue to carry a disproportionate share of this work.
The organisations argue that changing workplace practices and challenging traditional gender expectations are essential to creating fairer opportunities for parents.
As countries consider ways to strengthen family support, the findings highlight the importance of policies that allow mothers and fathers to balance employment with caregiving.
Providing both parents with meaningful opportunities to care for their families could help reduce inequalities, improve children’s wellbeing and build more inclusive workplaces.
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