China Considers Extending Paternity Leave to 30 Days to Promote Gender Equality
Recently, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) member, Bai Wenhuai, suggested that the paternity leave for men should not be less than 30 days, sparking a wide-ranging discussion in society. This proposal aims to alleviate the economic pressure on young couples with newborns and enhance support measures for childcare. According to reports, Bai Wenhuai is concerned about the challenges faced by young couples in taking care of their newborns, such as the increased childcare costs associated with hiring nannies or maternity matrons. To mitigate these financial burdens, he advocates for extending maternity leave to at least six months for women and paternity leave to at least 30 days for men, with the possibility of implementing additional support policies tailored to local circumstances.
27 February 2025
In China, the duration of maternity leave varies across different regions, but it generally ranges from 128 days to 190 days. This is significantly longer than the paternal leave, which typically ranges from 7 days to 30 days. Such a disparity in leave duration highlights the unequal distribution of childcare responsibilities between men and women. While women are expected to take on the bulk of caregiving duties, men are often not given sufficient time to support their partners and care for their newborns. This issue has sparked a national conversation, with some advocating for an extension of paternal leave to at least 30 days. Proponents of this policy argue that it would encourage men to take on more childcare responsibilities, reduce the burden on women, and promote a more equitable distribution of labor within the family.
Additionally, they believe that this policy could help mitigate the discriminatory effects of childbirth on women's employment, as women are often forced to choose between their careers and family obligations. However, others have expressed concerns about the practicality and potential consequences of such a policy. They argue that simply increasing the duration of paternal leave may not necessarily lead to a more significant involvement of men in childcare, as it may not address the underlying societal and cultural factors that contribute to the current state of affairs. Furthermore, they worry that this policy could have unintended consequences, such as reducing family income or creating undue burdens on employers.
As China grapples with the challenge of promoting gender equality and supporting families, the debate over paternal leave highlights the complex interplay between social norms, economic factors, and policy interventions. To create a more supportive environment for families and promote greater gender equality, policymakers must carefully consider the potential effects of their decisions and strive to develop comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of these issues. By doing so, they can work towards creating a more balanced and equitable society where both men and women can share childcare responsibilities and support each other in their roles as parents.
