EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
TRUDI MAKHAYA: Work must factor in breast-feeding rights
Global health guidelines recommend breast milk as the exclusive source of nourishment for six months, which is beyond what most employers offer
When my generation of women entered the workforce there was an unspoken message that the worst of women’s struggles were behind us. The #MeToo movement and debates about the gender pay gap have woken us up to the illusion of gender equity. The gender pay gap not only reflects prejudice, but also the different roles women and men play in parenthood. The ability to continue breast-feeding colours the decisions mothers make when it comes to participation in the workplace. The matter is not so stark in SA, where there is paid maternity leave. But global health guidelines recommend breast milk as the exclusive source of nourishment for six months, which is beyond what most employers offer. The World Health Organisation goes further than this and recommends that breast-feeding (combined with other sources of nourishment), should continue for two years. This implies that many women will continue breastfeeding after returning to work. There are two important barriers confronting women here:...
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