The debate to double the maternity leave for new mothers to six months is gaining momentum, with proponents saying that the current three months are not enough for a mother to have given ample care to the newborn. Actually, the proposal goes further to suggest that the incidental leave given to working men whose wives have given birth should be increased to at least 30 days from the current four days, to be able to support the new mothers. These are commendable proposals that have been tabled by Members of Parliament as they not only guarantee the welfare of the child, but also the health of the mother who are barely strong enough by the time they return to work after the 12 weeks provided for by the current labour law. Currently, much as working mothers are by law given one hour for breastfeeding, this is barely enough to commute home and back to work during the day, partly owing to the public transport bottlenecks among other challenges. However, one should not ignore the implication this can have on a nascent economy like ours, which is also very ambitious. An additional 12 weeks of maternity leave means a significant sacrifice of productive hours which many, especially the private sector may find highly costly. This may lead to other unintended consequences, including reluctance to hire women, for fear of the cost that firms are likely to incur in case they have to go on maternity leave. Employers may not be open about it but may make such considerations during the hiring process. What needs to be done is broaden the debate and look at other alternatives, including introducing a flexi system for new mothers, where they can be able to work from home for those 12 weeks so that they are able to work but also take care of their children. Covid-19 taught us that someone can work from home and deliver as much as one sitting in office. The other alternative would be encouraging organisations to introduce daycare facilities, where babies can be catered for while their mothers go about their work, among other options. What is not debatable is that a mother will deliver more at work knowing that their child is in good care and so let also look at ways of making this happen, for it is good for the mother, the employer and the entire economy.
