Coalition Reflects on Progress in Maternity Leave Extension
By WFT-T
22 January 2025
Members of the SRHR Coalition, along with other stakeholders, gathered for a one-day meeting on 17th January,2025 to reflect on the progress made regarding the extension of maternity leave. The meeting focused on discussing the proposed Labour Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which is expected to be presented to Parliament soon.
The event was attended by representatives from SRHR Coalition, led by DMF, labor unions, the network of mothers of premature babies, and the media. Some of the key issues emerged included the importance of the government allocating a sufficient budget with a gender-sensitive approach to reduce the financial burden of medical costs and care for premature babies.
Speaking during the meeting, Dories Mollel, who is leading the SRHR Coalition, emphasized that the issue of premature birth needs to be addressed within the community to change negative perceptions. She also stressed the need to allocate a budget at the village and ward levels, so health centers and clinics can establish the necessary infrastructure and equipment to care for premature babies at these levels.
During the discussion, WFTT Country Director Rose Marandu highlighted the reproductive health rights Coalition crucial role in educating the community, particularly men, who are key stakeholders in reproductive issues. “Men should be fully involved in understanding their responsibilities, so that when a woman gives birth to a premature baby, she does not face abuse, humiliation, or violence. Additionally, men should allocate a family budget and dedicate their time to supporting their partners in raising a premature baby”.
Dr. Dinna Mbaga, a member of the SRHR Coalition’s technical committee, stated that extending maternity leave will provide much-needed relief to mothers, allowing them to care for their premature infants during the critical early stages of development.
"If a mother has enough time to care for her child, especially a premature baby, we will have built a stronger nation. We commend Dories Mollel, who chose collaboration over working alone. Justice is not achieved by one person; it is built by a strong coalition," said Dr. Mbaga.
The coalition also advocates for changes to maternity leave provisions, particularly for mothers of premature babies. They are urging that the leave period be extended until the child reaches 40 weeks of age, rather than ending at 36 weeks, as stated in the current draft.
The SRHR Coalition’s recommendations for the proposed bill suggest that Section 33, which deals with maternity leave for mothers who give birth to premature babies, should be amended. The maternity leave should begin at the 36th week of pregnancy, when a baby would normally be expected to be born, and continue until the 40th week, as some women give birth naturally at 40 weeks.
