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Cabinet to introduce paternity leave for male employees of the state (file photo)
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Email: [email protected]
As legislation is being drafted for paternity leave, several stakeholders are expected to hold discussions later this year about the best and most suitable timeframe for fathers.
Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin gave the update on state media on Labour Day morning.
The move enhances traditional leave policies in Antigua and Barbuda, which have historically focused exclusively on maternity leave.
The Labour Minister said it is a necessary and delicate piece of legislation to give fathers similar rights to mothers in taking care of their children in the early stages.
“We are going to invite discussions from stakeholders and see what can best be suited for men. Some argue that ‘men just want five days or four days and in any event they won’t use it for the interest of bonding with the child’. That view is not my view. My view is just as the child is born and taken and placed on his mother’s breast, beginning a bond from that time, the father should also be able to bond with the child.”
“We are looking at the government’s situation but also, we want to take it into the private situation as well too. We will have these discussions later this year with the trade unions and social organizations to get their combined view to determine and to develop a law that looks at paternity leave. The time has come in my view that there is an equality of rights throughout the system,” Benjamin concluded.
It’s about time. A father’s role in their children’s life is just as important as the mothers role
Yes. I totally agree with this Juju. The role of the fathers are underestimated but this not only in Antigua, it is a worldwide issue.
Father’s are just as important as mothers
I believe that paternity leave is something extremely important.
Fathers are important but are they there in a child’s life? That’s the question that should be on the board