Length of paid parental leave for mother 1975

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 mothers in 1975 is a crucial indicator of society's commitment to supporting family well-being and workforce participation. This statistic measures the number of days mothers are entitled to paid leave following childbirth, reflecting deeper societal values around motherhood and employment. In 1975, the global landscape was stark, as no country provided paid parental leave for mothers, indicating a worldwide absence of formal support for maternal responsibilities in the workforce.

Historical Context of Maternal Leave in 1975

In the mid-1970s, the concept of paid parental leave was still in its infancy on a global scale. This period was characterized by significant social movements, including those advocating for gender equality in the workplace. Despite these efforts, most countries had not yet implemented policies to support working mothers, as evidenced by the complete absence of paid leave days across 189 countries in 1975. This lack of provision highlights the socio-cultural and economic barriers that women faced, as many were expected to balance caregiving with employment without institutional support.

Implications of Policy Absence

The absence of paid parental leave in 1975 had profound implications for both family dynamics and workforce participation. Without institutional support, many mothers were compelled to leave their jobs or take unpaid leave, leading to economic hardship and a decreased female labor force participation rate. This scenario perpetuated gender disparities in the workplace, as women often faced career interruptions that their male counterparts did not. The lack of formal leave policies also reflected broader societal norms, where child-rearing was predominantly viewed as a maternal responsibility.

Global Uniformity and Variations

Interestingly, the data from 1975 shows a complete uniformity in the absence of paid parental leave across all sampled countries, including Afghanistan, Albania, and Australia, to Zimbabwe and Zambia. This uniformity contrasts sharply with the diverse approaches countries have taken in more recent decades, where differences in leave policies often reflect varying economic capabilities and cultural attitudes towards gender and family roles. The lack of variation in 1975 underscores a global lag in policy development concerning maternal and child welfare.

Post-1975 Developments and Trends

Although the data from 1975 indicates no countries provided paid parental leave, subsequent decades witnessed significant strides in this area. Legislative changes began to emerge as the result of persistent advocacy and the recognition of the economic and social benefits of supporting working families. Scandinavian countries, for example, became pioneers in implementing generous parental leave policies. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, variations in parental leave had become a marker of national priorities regarding gender equality and family support.

The introduction of paid parental leave policies in subsequent years has proven beneficial both economically and socially. It enhances family well-being by allowing parents the necessary time to bond with their newborns without financial stress. Economically, these policies have been shown to increase maternal employment rates and reduce gender wage gaps. Countries that have adopted robust parental leave policies tend to witness improved outcomes in child development and health, as well as increased workforce retention and productivity.

In conclusion, the lack of paid parental leave for mothers in 1975 reflects broader socio-economic and cultural challenges of the time. While no country provided such leave then, the subsequent decades have seen transformative changes. Recognizing the importance of supporting parents through paid parental leave has become a critical aspect of promoting gender equality, enhancing workforce participation, and fostering overall societal well-being. As nations continue to evolve their policies, the lessons from 1975 serve as a poignant reminder of the progress yet to be achieved in global maternal support systems.

Insights by country

Eswatini

In 1975, Eswatini ranked 56 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded length of 0 days. This lack of statutory paid parental leave reflects the limited support structures available to working mothers in the country during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a predominantly agrarian economy, limited industrialization, and traditional societal norms that often prioritize family care without formalized government support. Additionally, the political climate and lack of comprehensive labor laws during this time contributed to minimal protections for workers.

It is also noteworthy that this statistic is part of a broader trend observed in many developing nations during the 1970s, where gender equality in the workplace was not yet fully recognized, leading to disparities in parental leave policies compared to more developed countries.

Afghanistan

In 1975, Afghanistan ranked 1st out of 189 countries for having the shortest length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a value of 0 days. This statistic reflects the challenging socio-political landscape of Afghanistan during that era, where traditional cultural norms often prioritized immediate economic participation over family support initiatives.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the country's ongoing political instability, economic constraints, and a societal structure that did not prioritize women's rights or welfare policies. As Afghanistan faced significant upheaval leading to the Soviet invasion in 1979, governmental focus on maternal support was minimal.

Interestingly, many nations worldwide began to implement and expand parental leave policies around this time, recognizing the importance of supporting new parents. In contrast, Afghanistan's absence of such provisions highlights a significant gap in social policy that would have long-term implications for women's health and family welfare in the country.

South Sudan

In 1975, South Sudan ranked 159 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of leave. This statistic reflects the broader socio-economic challenges faced by the region, which was not yet an independent nation at that time and was embroiled in conflict and instability.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the ongoing civil strife, underdeveloped institutional frameworks, and limited resources dedicated to social welfare programs. These challenges have historically hindered the establishment of comprehensive labor laws and protections for families.

Interestingly, South Sudan's situation contrasts sharply with more developed nations, where paid parental leave is often significantly longer, highlighting the disparities in maternal support globally. Countries with robust social safety nets typically provide several months of paid leave, reflecting their commitment to family welfare and child development.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 1975, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 143rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflects broader socio-economic conditions and labor policies prevalent at the time, as many Caribbean nations were still developing their social welfare systems.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited economic resources, a focus on tourism and agriculture rather than social services, and cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities. Additionally, the political landscape during the 1970s, characterized by post-colonial challenges, may have hindered the establishment of comprehensive family support policies.

It is noteworthy that many countries in the Caribbean region faced similar challenges, resulting in low ranks for parental leave provisions. Over the decades, however, there has been a gradual shift towards recognizing the importance of parental leave as a vital component of family and child welfare.

Oman

In 1975, Oman ranked 125th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave during this period reflects the broader socio-economic conditions and cultural attitudes towards women and family roles in Oman at the time.

The lack of paid parental leave in Oman can be attributed to several factors, including a predominantly traditional societal structure, limited economic resources, and a nascent welfare system that had not yet prioritized family support policies. The 1970s were a transformative period for Oman, characterized by significant political and economic changes following the rise of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, which focused on modernization and development.

Globally, many countries were beginning to implement or expand maternity leave policies during this era, highlighting Oman’s relative lag in this area. The issue of parental leave has since evolved, with many nations recognizing the importance of supporting new mothers in the workforce, reflecting changing norms around gender equality and family support.

Mali

In 1975, Mali ranked 104th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was set at a total of 0 days. This lack of formal paid leave reflects the broader socio-economic context of the country during this period, where traditional family structures and economic constraints limited governmental support for parental leave policies.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited economic resources, a predominantly agricultural economy, and a societal focus on immediate labor needs over family welfare policies. Moreover, cultural norms often prioritize women's roles within the household, which may lead to less advocacy for formal leave policies.

It is noteworthy that in many developing countries, including Mali, similar trends were observed, with many women in the workforce lacking access to paid maternity leave, which can impact maternal health, child development, and overall societal well-being.

North Macedonia

In 1975, North Macedonia ranked 123rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of policy support for new mothers reflected broader socio-economic conditions and the prevailing cultural attitudes towards gender roles and family responsibilities at the time.

The absence of paid parental leave can be linked to several factors, including the economic framework in place during the socialist era, which prioritized labor force participation over family support policies. Additionally, the societal expectations regarding women's roles often limited discussions around maternal benefits.

It is noteworthy that many countries have since recognized the importance of parental leave policies in supporting families and promoting gender equality, leading to significant reforms worldwide. The evolution of these policies highlights the changing perceptions of parental roles and the necessity of supporting new parents in balancing work and family life.

Mauritius

In 1975, Mauritius ranked 108 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded length of 0 days. This statistic reflects a historical context in which many countries were still developing their social safety nets and support systems for families, particularly for new mothers.

The absence of paid parental leave during this time can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic priorities, a focus on labor-intensive industries, and a lack of comprehensive family welfare policies. As a relatively small island nation, Mauritius was in the early stages of its economic development, which likely influenced government policy decisions regarding social benefits.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that many countries worldwide had yet to establish robust frameworks for parental leave, leading to significant disparities in support for families across different regions. The evolution of parental leave policies in Mauritius and globally has been shaped by changing societal norms and an increasing recognition of the importance of supporting families during critical early child-rearing periods.

Poland

In 1975, Poland ranked 133rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a striking 0 days of paid leave available. This absence of paid parental leave reflects the socio-economic conditions of the time, as Poland was under communist rule, which often prioritized labor force participation over family support policies.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to the government's focus on maintaining productivity and a strong workforce during a period of economic challenges. Additionally, societal norms and governmental policies favored immediate economic contributions from women, limiting support for child-rearing responsibilities.

Notably, the absence of parental leave in Poland during this period contrasts sharply with modern policies, highlighting the significant evolution of family and labor rights over the decades as the country transitioned to a market economy after 1989.

Netherlands

In 1975, the Netherlands ranked 118th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This absence of paid leave reflects the societal attitudes and policies of the time, which did not prioritize parental support for new mothers.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the traditional family structures prevalent in the 1970s, which often placed the burden of childcare primarily on women without governmental support. Additionally, the economic conditions and labor market dynamics may have influenced policymakers to focus on other areas of social welfare rather than parental leave provisions.

In contrast to contemporary standards, where many countries offer substantial paid parental leave, the situation in the 1970s highlights the evolving nature of family policies and gender equality in the workplace. Today, the Netherlands is known for its progressive parental leave policies, underscoring the significant changes that have taken place over the decades.

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