People & Society
Mothers get almost eight times more paid leave than fathers
On October 22, 2026, UN Women and the World Bank compared paid leave for new parents and childcare laws in 190 economies.
On October 22, 2026, UN Women and the World Bank published a short report about new parents in 190 economies. It looks at two things: paid leave for parents after a baby is born, and care for children under three.
Maternity leave is for mothers, while paternity leave is for fathers around the time of the birth. Parental leave is often longer, and either parent can use it in a child's early years. The International Labour Organization, or ILO, says that mothers should get at least 14 weeks of paid leave.
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Having a legal right to have or to do something. If you are entitled to paid leave, the law says that you can have it.
On average, mothers are entitled to 196 days of paid leave, but fathers are entitled to only 25 days.