Women’s Affairs Reform Commission Recommends Expanded Maternity Leave (Up to 4 Times) and Paternity Leave

The Women’s Affairs Reform Commission has recommended extending maternity leave up to four times under special circumstances such as stillbirth, the death of a child, and childbirth following a second marriage. The recommendation also includes provisions for maternity and paternity leave in the case of child adoption. Presently, government service rules allow maternity leave with full salary for up to two childbirths. The commission suggests that maternity leave be made mandatory for six months across all sectors—government, private, and commercial—and that paternity leave of two weeks be granted with full pay.

These proposals form part of the commission's comprehensive final report, comprising 433 recommendations across 15 thematic areas. The report outlines phased implementation strategies: during the interim government, the next elected government, and longer-term reforms inspired by the women’s movement. It further proposes amendments to the Guardians and Wards Act of 1890 and the creation of a new law to ensure adopted children receive the same legal rights as biological children, including parental leave benefits.

Additionally, the commission calls for significant reforms to the Labour Act 2006 and its 2013 amendment, recommending six months of paid maternity leave, inclusion of adoption-related benefits, prohibition of dismissal during pregnancy or maternity leave, and a shift in terminology from “maternity welfare” to “maternity rights.” The Commission highlights the need for paternity leave, especially in the context of modern nuclear families, to ensure adequate care for both the mother and child during the postpartum period.

The 10-member Commission, formed through a gazette notification in November and led by Shireen Parveen Huq, submitted the report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Members include legal, labour, health, and women’s rights experts. Their recommendations aim to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure gender equality in all sectors.