Length of paid parental leave for mother 1971

Discover how the length of paid parental leave for mothers varies by country, impacting family well-being and workforce participation. Explore the statistics that highlight this critical social issue.

189 data points•Updated 11/26/2025•World•Women, Business and the Law, World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Afghanistan	0 days
2	Albania	0 days
3	Algeria	0 days
4	Angola	0 days
5	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
6	Argentina	0 days
7	Armenia	0 days
8	Australia	0 days
9	Austria	0 days
10	Azerbaijan	0 days
11	Bahamas	0 days
12	Bahrain	0 days
13	Bangladesh	0 days
14	Barbados	0 days
15	Belarus	0 days
16	Belgium	0 days
17	Belize	0 days
18	Benin	0 days
19	Bhutan	0 days
20	Bolivia	0 days
21	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
22	Botswana	0 days
23	Brazil	0 days
24	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
25	Bulgaria	0 days
26	Burkina Faso	0 days
27	Burundi	0 days
28	Cabo Verde	0 days
29	Cambodia	0 days
30	Cameroon	0 days
31	Canada	0 days
32	Central African Republic	0 days
33	Chad	0 days
34	Chile	0 days
35	China	0 days
36	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
37	Colombia	0 days
38	Comoros	0 days
39	Congo	0 days
40	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
41	Costa Rica	0 days
42	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
43	Croatia	0 days
44	Cyprus	0 days
45	Czech Republic	0 days
46	Denmark	0 days
47	Djibouti	0 days
48	Dominica	0 days
49	Dominican Republic	0 days
50	Ecuador	0 days
51	Egypt	0 days
52	El Salvador	0 days
53	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
54	Eritrea	0 days
55	Estonia	0 days
56	Eswatini	0 days
57	Ethiopia	0 days
58	Fiji	0 days
59	Finland	0 days
60	France	0 days
61	Gabon	0 days
62	Gambia	0 days
63	Georgia	0 days
64	Germany	0 days
65	Ghana	0 days
66	Greece	0 days
67	Grenada	0 days
68	Guatemala	0 days
69	Guinea	0 days
70	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
71	Guyana	0 days
72	Haiti	0 days
73	Honduras	0 days
74	Hungary	0 days
75	Iceland	0 days
76	India	0 days
77	Indonesia	0 days
78	Iran	0 days
79	Iraq	0 days
80	Ireland	0 days
81	Israel	0 days
82	Italy	0 days
83	Jamaica	0 days
84	Japan	0 days
85	Jordan	0 days
86	Kazakhstan	0 days
87	Kenya	0 days
88	Kiribati	0 days
89	Kosovo	0 days
90	Kuwait	0 days
91	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
92	Laos	0 days
93	Latvia	0 days
94	Lebanon	0 days
95	Lesotho	0 days
96	Liberia	0 days
97	Libya	0 days
98	Lithuania	0 days
99	Luxembourg	0 days
100	Madagascar	0 days
101	Malawi	0 days
102	Malaysia	0 days
103	Maldives	0 days
104	Mali	0 days
105	Malta	0 days
106	Marshall Islands	0 days
107	Mauritania	0 days
108	Mauritius	0 days
109	Mexico	0 days
110	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
111	Mongolia	0 days
112	Montenegro	0 days
113	Morocco	0 days
114	Mozambique	0 days
115	Myanmar	0 days
116	Namibia	0 days
117	Nepal	0 days
118	Netherlands	0 days
119	New Zealand	0 days
120	Nicaragua	0 days
121	Niger	0 days
122	Nigeria	0 days
123	North Macedonia	0 days
124	Norway	0 days
125	Oman	0 days
126	Pakistan	0 days
127	Palau	0 days
128	Panama	0 days
129	Papua New Guinea	0 days
130	Paraguay	0 days
131	Peru	0 days
132	Philippines	0 days
133	Poland	0 days
134	Portugal	0 days
135	Puerto Rico	0 days
136	Qatar	0 days
137	Republic of Moldova	0 days
138	Romania	0 days
139	Russia	0 days
140	Rwanda	0 days
141	Saint Kitts and Nevis	0 days
142	Saint Lucia	0 days
143	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	0 days
144	Samoa	0 days
145	San Marino	0 days
146	Sao Tome and Principe	0 days
147	Saudi Arabia	0 days
148	Senegal	0 days
149	Serbia	0 days
150	Seychelles	0 days
151	Sierra Leone	0 days
152	Singapore	0 days
153	Slovakia	0 days
154	Slovenia	0 days
155	Solomon Islands	0 days
156	Somalia	0 days
157	South Africa	0 days
158	South Korea	0 days
159	South Sudan	0 days
160	Spain	0 days
161	Sri Lanka	0 days
162	State of Palestine	0 days
163	Sudan	0 days
164	Suriname	0 days
165	Sweden	0 days
166	Switzerland	0 days
167	Syrian Arab Republic	0 days
168	Tajikistan	0 days
169	Tanzania	0 days
170	Thailand	0 days
171	Timor-Leste	0 days
172	Togo	0 days
173	Tonga	0 days
174	Trinidad and Tobago	0 days
175	Tunisia	0 days
176	Turkey	0 days
177	Uganda	0 days
178	Ukraine	0 days
179	United Arab Emirates	0 days
180	United Kingdom	0 days
181	United States	0 days
182	Uruguay	0 days
183	Uzbekistan	0 days
184	Vanuatu	0 days
185	Venezuela	0 days
186	Vietnam	0 days
187	Yemen	0 days
188	Zambia	0 days
189	Zimbabwe	0 days

↑Top 10 Countries

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

The "Length of paid parental leave for mother" is a critical metric reflecting how societies value family well-being and gender equality in the workforce. In 1971, global statistics reveal a stark uniformity as the data shows zero days of paid parental leave for mothers across 189 countries, highlighting a universal lack of support for maternal care in the workplace during that time. This article delves into the implications of these statistics, exploring historical context, societal norms, and the policy landscape of the early 1970s.

Historical Context of 1971

The year 1971 was a pivotal period marked by significant social and political changes. Yet, amidst these transformations, the provision of paid parental leave remained notably absent. This absence can be attributed to societal norms that predominantly assigned caregiving roles to women, expecting them to balance family duties without financial support from employment sectors. At a time when women's participation in the workforce was rising, the lack of paid leave posed considerable challenges for working mothers, limiting their ability to maintain both professional and familial responsibilities effectively.

The absence of paid parental leave for mothers in 1971 had profound social and economic implications. From a social perspective, the lack of formal leave policies reinforced traditional gender roles, discouraging shared parenting responsibilities. Economically, this absence constrained women's opportunities for advancement by forcing many into part-time roles or out of the workforce entirely. As a result, families often faced financial strains, while economies missed out on the full potential of a diverse workforce. Countries like Afghanistan, Albania, and Argentina uniformly recorded zero days of paid leave, reflecting a global trend where legislation failed to support working mothers adequately.

Regional and Cultural Comparisons

Despite the uniform statistics reported in 1971, cultural and regional attitudes towards family leave varied. In many Western nations, emerging feminist movements began advocating for greater workplace equality, including parental leave policies. Meanwhile, in several developing countries, economic constraints and cultural norms placed additional barriers to the implementation of such policies. For instance, the United States and the United Kingdom both reported zero days of paid leave, yet were starting to see the seeds of change with evolving social attitudes towards working mothers and family responsibilities.

Evolution of Parental Leave Policies

The stagnant state of parental leave in 1971 set the stage for future advancements. Over subsequent decades, increasing recognition of the dual roles women play in society and the workforce led to shifts in policy. Countries began to enact legislation supporting parental leave, recognizing the benefits for child development, gender equality, and economic productivity. By examining the complete lack of paid leave in 1971, we gain insight into the tremendous progress and ongoing challenges societies face in achieving equitable labor policies.

Lessons from the Past

The 1971 data on paid parental leave for mothers serves as a stark reminder of the historical struggles faced by working women. This lack of support highlights the importance of advocating for comprehensive parental leave policies to foster more equitable workplace environments. By understanding these historical insights, modern societies can better appreciate the necessity of continued advocacy and policy reform to address the needs of families and support the well-being of children and parents alike.

The year 1971 was a watershed moment in highlighting the absence of paid parental leave for mothers, serving as a foundation for understanding the transformative changes that were to come. By exploring the global statistics of that year, we recognize both the challenges of the past and the opportunities for building a more supportive and inclusive future for working families worldwide.

Insights by country

Suriname

In 1971, Suriname ranked 164 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid maternity leave reflects the limited focus on family welfare policies during that era, particularly in a country that was navigating its post-colonial landscape.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and a smaller emphasis on social welfare programs at the time. Suriname, having gained independence from the Netherlands in 1975, was still establishing its governmental policies and structures, which may have affected the prioritization of parental leave legislation.

Another relevant statistic is that many countries in the region were also facing similar challenges in providing adequate parental leave, illustrating a broader trend in developing nations where economic and social policies were evolving. This context underscores the ongoing need for improvements in family support policies to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

Djibouti

In 1971, Djibouti ranked 47th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an actual value of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternal welfare and family policies during that period in Djibouti, which was influenced by the socio-economic conditions and political landscape of the time.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic challenges, the need for a more developed social security system, and cultural norms that may prioritize immediate economic contributions over parental leave policies. Additionally, Djibouti's status as a nascent nation following its independence in 1977 may have impacted the establishment of comprehensive family support policies.

As a point of comparison, many countries have since recognized the importance of paid parental leave in promoting child health and family stability, with numerous nations implementing policies that provide substantial leave periods. The evolution of such policies reflects changing societal values regarding family and workforce participation.

Haiti

In 1971, Haiti ranked 72nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the country's limited support for maternal welfare and highlights the challenges faced by working mothers during this period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including Haiti's economic struggles, high levels of poverty, and a lack of comprehensive social welfare policies. The country has historically faced political instability and natural disasters, which have diverted resources away from social programs that support families.

In comparison to other nations, many countries have implemented varying lengths of paid parental leave, with some providing several months of leave to promote maternal and child health. This discrepancy emphasizes the need for reforms in Haiti to enhance support systems for mothers and improve overall family welfare.

Central African Republic

In 1971, the Central African Republic ranked 32nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic indicates that mothers in the country did not receive any government-mandated paid leave following childbirth, reflecting a broader trend in many developing nations during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, limited social support systems, and a lack of legislative frameworks prioritizing maternity benefits. These issues often stem from historical and ongoing challenges related to governance, economic development, and social welfare in the Central African Republic.

Interestingly, the lack of paid parental leave may have significant implications for maternal and child health, as well as for gender equality in the workforce. Globally, countries with more supportive parental leave policies tend to experience better health outcomes for mothers and infants, as well as improved female labor force participation rates.

Bahamas

In 1971, the Bahamas ranked 11th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a significant statistic indicating 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid leave reflects the broader socio-economic landscape of the Bahamas during this period, where labor laws were still developing and social support systems for families were limited.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints and a focus on tourism as the main economic driver, which may have overshadowed the need for comprehensive labor rights. Additionally, cultural norms at the time may have influenced perceptions of family roles and responsibilities, leading to less advocacy for parental leave policies.

Globally, the absence of paid parental leave in many countries during the 1970s was common, as many governments prioritized economic growth over family support policies. This trend has shifted in subsequent decades, with many nations adopting more progressive parental leave laws aimed at supporting families and promoting child welfare.

Congo

In 1971, Congo ranked 39th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a reported duration of 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant lack of support for maternal leave during a time when many nations were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave policies.

The absence of paid parental leave in Congo can be attributed to a variety of factors, including economic challenges, limited social welfare infrastructure, and political instability that affected the prioritization of family support policies. The country's focus during this period was likely directed towards addressing more immediate socio-economic issues rather than developing comprehensive family leave systems.

Globally, the trend towards establishing parental leave policies gained momentum in the following decades, as research began to highlight the benefits of paid leave for both maternal health and child development. The recognition of these benefits has led many countries to reform their policies significantly since 1971.

Cameroon

In 1971, Cameroon ranked 30th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official provision of 0 days. This statistic highlights the limited support for new mothers in the country during this period, reflecting broader socio-economic conditions and cultural attitudes toward motherhood and work.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic challenges and a lack of robust labor policies. In many developing nations, including Cameroon, traditional gender roles often place the responsibility of child-rearing primarily on women, which can lead to fewer formal workplace protections.

It is also noteworthy that while the global trend has moved towards increasing parental leave policies in subsequent decades, historical contexts such as colonial legacies and economic instability often hindered progress in labor rights in Cameroon and similar countries.

Belize

In 1971, Belize ranked 17th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded value of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support systems in place for new mothers during that time period, indicative of the broader socio-economic conditions and attitudes towards family leave in the region.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on economic development and labor policies that prioritized workforce participation over family welfare. Additionally, cultural norms may have influenced the lack of formalized support for maternal leave, as many women in Belize historically balanced work and family responsibilities without institutional backing.

Comparatively, many countries have since recognized the importance of paid parental leave in promoting child health and supporting families, leading to significant policy changes worldwide. However, Belize's early stance in 1971 highlights the challenges faced by women in the workforce during that era.

Canada

In 1971, Canada ranked 31st out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the limited support for parental leave during this period, indicating a lack of formal policies to assist new mothers in balancing work and family responsibilities.

The absence of paid parental leave in Canada in 1971 can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a focus on traditional family structures and labor market conditions that did not prioritize parental support. At that time, many women were expected to return to work shortly after childbirth, reflecting societal norms and economic pressures.

Comparatively, many countries began to implement more comprehensive parental leave policies in the following decades, leading to significant changes in workforce participation among mothers and the overall well-being of families. This shift underscores the evolving recognition of the importance of parental leave in promoting gender equality and supporting child development.

Ethiopia

In 1971, Ethiopia ranked 57th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This absence of paid leave reflects the broader socio-economic context of the country during this period, where traditional gender roles and limited economic resources influenced family policies.

The lack of parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a predominantly agrarian economy, cultural norms that prioritize immediate family support over state assistance, and limited governmental infrastructure to support such policies. Additionally, the political climate of the time, characterized by instability and a focus on other pressing developmental issues, likely contributed to the absence of family-oriented labor laws.

It is noteworthy that Ethiopia's approach to parental leave has evolved significantly in subsequent decades, reflecting changing societal values and an increasing recognition of the importance of supporting families in the workforce.

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