Length of paid parental leave for mother 1978

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	Norway	42 days
2	Afghanistan	0 days
3	Albania	0 days
4	Algeria	0 days
5	Angola	0 days
6	Antigua and Barbuda	0 days
7	Argentina	0 days
8	Armenia	0 days
9	Australia	0 days
10	Austria	0 days
11	Azerbaijan	0 days
12	Bahamas	0 days
13	Bahrain	0 days
14	Bangladesh	0 days
15	Barbados	0 days
16	Belarus	0 days
17	Belgium	0 days
18	Belize	0 days
19	Benin	0 days
20	Bhutan	0 days
21	Bolivia	0 days
22	Bosnia and Herzegovina	0 days
23	Botswana	0 days
24	Brazil	0 days
25	Brunei Darussalam	0 days
26	Bulgaria	0 days
27	Burkina Faso	0 days
28	Burundi	0 days
29	Cabo Verde	0 days
30	Cambodia	0 days
31	Cameroon	0 days
32	Canada	0 days
33	Central African Republic	0 days
34	Chad	0 days
35	Chile	0 days
36	China	0 days
37	China, Hong Kong SAR	0 days
38	Colombia	0 days
39	Comoros	0 days
40	Congo	0 days
41	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	0 days
42	Costa Rica	0 days
43	Côte d'Ivoire	0 days
44	Croatia	0 days
45	Cyprus	0 days
46	Czech Republic	0 days
47	Denmark	0 days
48	Djibouti	0 days
49	Dominica	0 days
50	Dominican Republic	0 days
51	Ecuador	0 days
52	Egypt	0 days
53	El Salvador	0 days
54	Equatorial Guinea	0 days
55	Eritrea	0 days
56	Estonia	0 days
57	Eswatini	0 days
58	Ethiopia	0 days
59	Fiji	0 days
60	Finland	0 days
61	France	0 days
62	Gabon	0 days
63	Gambia	0 days
64	Georgia	0 days
65	Germany	0 days
66	Ghana	0 days
67	Greece	0 days
68	Grenada	0 days
69	Guatemala	0 days
70	Guinea	0 days
71	Guinea-Bissau	0 days
72	Guyana	0 days
73	Haiti	0 days
74	Honduras	0 days
75	Hungary	0 days
76	Iceland	0 days
77	India	0 days
78	Indonesia	0 days
79	Iran	0 days
80	Iraq	0 days
81	Ireland	0 days
82	Israel	0 days
83	Italy	0 days
84	Jamaica	0 days
85	Japan	0 days
86	Jordan	0 days
87	Kazakhstan	0 days
88	Kenya	0 days
89	Kiribati	0 days
90	Kosovo	0 days
91	Kuwait	0 days
92	Kyrgyzstan	0 days
93	Laos	0 days
94	Latvia	0 days
95	Lebanon	0 days
96	Lesotho	0 days
97	Liberia	0 days
98	Libya	0 days
99	Lithuania	0 days
100	Luxembourg	0 days
101	Madagascar	0 days
102	Malawi	0 days
103	Malaysia	0 days
104	Maldives	0 days
105	Mali	0 days
106	Malta	0 days
107	Marshall Islands	0 days
108	Mauritania	0 days
109	Mauritius	0 days
110	Mexico	0 days
111	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	0 days
112	Mongolia	0 days
113	Montenegro	0 days
114	Morocco	0 days
115	Mozambique	0 days
116	Myanmar	0 days
117	Namibia	0 days
118	Nepal	0 days
119	Netherlands	0 days
120	New Zealand	0 days
121	Nicaragua	0 days
122	Niger	0 days
123	Nigeria	0 days
124	North Macedonia	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 is a critical metric showcasing the intersection of social policy and workforce dynamics. In 1978, the global landscape of parental leave varied significantly, reflecting diverse national priorities and socio-economic capabilities. Understanding these variations provides insights into the broader implications for family well-being and gender equality in the workplace.

Historical Context of Paid Parental Leave in 1978

In 1978, the notion of paid parental leave for mothers was a burgeoning social policy, primarily concentrated in more economically developed nations. The concept was gaining traction as part of broader discussions on gender equality and labor rights. However, the implementation was far from uniform, with significant discrepancies between countries. Norway led the way, offering 42 days of paid leave, recognizing the importance of supporting mothers in the workforce. In stark contrast, many countries, including the United States and several in Africa and Asia, offered no paid parental leave, underscoring the nascent stage of this policy area at the time.

Regional Comparisons and Influences

The 1978 data reveals stark regional discrepancies in the provision of paid parental leave. European countries, influenced by progressive social policies, showed a stronger commitment to supporting working mothers. Norway's 42 days of paid leave stood out as a model for others. In contrast, countries in Africa and the Americas, such as Zimbabwe and Argentina, provided no such benefits, reflecting differing economic priorities and social structures. This disparity highlighted the varying levels of governmental commitment to balancing work and family life, influenced by cultural norms and economic constraints.

The availability, or lack thereof, of paid parental leave in 1978 had profound implications for both economies and societies. In countries like Norway, the provision of leave supported higher female workforce participation, contributing to a more balanced and productive economy. Conversely, in countries without such policies, the pressure on mothers to return to work without financial support potentially hindered workforce re-entry and exacerbated gender disparities. This divide also impacted family well-being, with financial pressures affecting early childhood development and maternal health.

Policy Development and Emerging Trends

During the late 1970s, the concept of paid parental leave was increasingly recognized as a vital component of social welfare policies. Although only a few countries offered paid leave, the growing awareness of its benefits for both families and economies signaled a shift. Discussions around gender equality in the workplace, coupled with the women's movement, were pivotal in promoting the narrative that parental leave is not merely a personal issue but a societal one. As countries observed the positive outcomes of policies in places like Norway, there was a gradual, albeit slow, movement towards adopting similar measures.

Future Prospects and Challenges

Looking forward from 1978, the challenge for many countries lay in balancing economic constraints with the benefits of paid parental leave. While some nations were poised to expand their offerings, others faced significant hurdles due to economic and political factors. The lack of a standardized approach globally also posed challenges in measuring the effectiveness and reaching a consensus on best practices for implementing such policies. As the world continued to evolve, the importance of fostering supportive environments for working mothers became increasingly clear, setting the stage for future reforms and international dialogue.

The examination of paid parental leave for mothers in 1978 uncovers a period marked by stark inequalities and emerging awareness. The data not only reflects historical priorities but also serves as a foundation for understanding the evolution of social policies aimed at improving family life and gender equity. As nations continue to grapple with these issues, the lessons from 1978 remain relevant, pointing towards the necessity of inclusive and supportive frameworks for parental leave worldwide.

Insights by country

Nepal

Nepal ranked 118th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers in the year 1978. During this time, the country provided 0 days of paid parental leave, reflecting a significant lack of support for new mothers in the workforce.

This absence of parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including the country's developing economy, traditional gender roles, and limited social welfare systems at the time. The cultural emphasis on family and community support often overshadowed formal employment policies, resulting in minimal legal protections for mothers.

Furthermore, the lack of paid parental leave was not unique to Nepal; many countries in similar socio-economic positions also offered little to no support for new parents during this period. This statistic highlights the broader global challenge of ensuring adequate maternity protections, which has evolved in subsequent decades.

Sri Lanka

In 1978, Sri Lanka ranked a lowly 161 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provisions for maternal leave reflected broader socio-economic challenges and cultural norms surrounding women’s roles in the workforce at the time.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited governmental support for family welfare policies, economic constraints, and a labor market that did not prioritize parental rights. Additionally, traditional views on gender roles may have influenced the perception of women's responsibilities, often placing them primarily in caregiving positions without the recognition of their need for formal employment protection.

Globally, the 1970s were a period of significant change regarding women's rights and labor policies, with many nations beginning to implement more supportive measures for working mothers. However, Sri Lanka's position during this time highlights the challenges faced in advancing gender equity and the need for comprehensive family-oriented policies to support both parents in the workforce.

Mauritius

In 1978, Mauritius ranked 109 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded length of 0 days. This lack of paid maternity leave reflects the broader socio-economic context of the time, where labor policies were still developing and social welfare systems were not yet robust.

The absence of paid parental leave may have been influenced by various factors, including a relatively nascent labor market, limited economic resources, and a focus on industrialization over social welfare. At that time, Mauritius was transitioning from an agricultural economy to a manufacturing-based one, which may have placed less emphasis on family-friendly policies.

In comparison, many countries today provide significantly more comprehensive parental leave benefits, recognizing the importance of such policies for child health, maternal well-being, and overall family stability. The evolution of maternity leave policies in Mauritius since 1978 illustrates a growing recognition of these factors in shaping labor rights and social support systems.

Pakistan

In 1978, Pakistan ranked 126th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official provision of 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges and cultural norms surrounding gender roles and employment in Pakistan during this period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited labor rights, a predominantly agrarian economy, and a lack of political will to implement family-friendly policies. Additionally, traditional views on women's roles often place them in the domestic sphere, reducing the perceived need for formal maternity benefits.

Globally, the trend towards supporting maternal health and family welfare has evolved significantly since the late 20th century, with many countries recognizing the importance of paid parental leave as a means to promote child health and support working mothers. In contrast, Pakistan's 1978 policy environment reflected a lack of such progressive measures.

Malawi

In 1978, Malawi ranked 102nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader social and economic challenges faced by the country at the time, including limited resources allocated to social welfare programs and a predominantly agrarian economy where many women worked in informal sectors.

The absence of paid parental leave may have been influenced by factors such as high levels of poverty, inadequate labor laws, and a lack of emphasis on women's rights and family support systems. Additionally, cultural norms and expectations regarding maternal roles often placed the responsibility of child-rearing primarily on women without institutional support.

It is important to note that in many developing countries during this period, similar patterns of limited parental leave policies were common, often resulting in negative impacts on maternal health and child development. Over the years, Malawi has made progress in various social policies, yet challenges in parental leave still persist in comparison to global standards.

Marshall Islands

In 1978, the Marshall Islands ranked 107th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official value of 0 days. This lack of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by the nation, particularly in the context of its post-World War II recovery and ongoing reliance on foreign aid.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited resources and infrastructure for social welfare programs, as well as cultural norms that may prioritize immediate economic contributions over child-rearing support. Additionally, the economy of the Marshall Islands has historically relied on sectors such as fishing and agriculture, which often do not provide comprehensive employee benefits.

It is noteworthy that the lack of paid parental leave has implications for maternal and child health, as well as for gender equality in the workplace. Globally, nations with robust parental leave policies tend to see better outcomes in these areas, highlighting the importance of such policies in fostering a supportive environment for families.

Portugal

In 1978, Portugal ranked 134th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of leave. This absence of paid parental leave reflects the country's socio-economic conditions and policies during a time of significant political transition following the Carnation Revolution in 1974, which ended decades of dictatorship.

The lack of parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on economic recovery and stability in the wake of the revolution, as well as traditional societal norms that placed less emphasis on formal support for working mothers. During this period, many European countries were also beginning to establish more comprehensive welfare systems, highlighting Portugal’s lag in this area.

It is noteworthy that over the decades, Portugal has made substantial improvements in parental leave policies, which now provide a more supportive framework for families, contrasting sharply with the situation in 1978. The evolution of these policies reflects broader changes in societal attitudes toward gender roles and family welfare.

Mali

In 1978, Mali ranked 105th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support provided to new mothers in terms of maternity leave during this period, highlighting a significant gap in social welfare policies.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms surrounding gender roles, and a predominantly agrarian economy where informal work does not typically include such benefits. These conditions have historically limited the government's ability to implement comprehensive maternity leave policies.

Additionally, this absence of paid leave has implications for maternal health and child development, as mothers may be compelled to return to work shortly after childbirth. Studies have shown that countries with more generous parental leave policies tend to have better health outcomes for both mothers and children, indicating a strong correlation between social support systems and public health.

Algeria

In 1978, Algeria ranked 4th out of 189 countries regarding the provision of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this purpose. This statistic reflects the socio-economic and political environment of the time, where state policies often prioritized workforce participation over family support systems.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's focus on rapid industrialization and economic growth post-independence, which may have overshadowed the need for family-oriented policies. Additionally, cultural norms regarding gender roles and family responsibilities often placed the burden of childcare primarily on women without formal support mechanisms.

Interestingly, while Algeria's ranking indicated a lack of paid parental leave, many countries around the world were beginning to recognize the importance of supporting new mothers through paid leave, highlighting a significant divergence in social policy evolution during this period.

Afghanistan

In 1978, Afghanistan ranked 2nd out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a duration of 0 days. This statistic reflects the country's significant lack of formal support for maternal leave during a time of political upheaval and social instability.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the socio-economic conditions of the country, ongoing conflicts, and a traditional societal structure that often emphasizes immediate economic contributions over family welfare policies. The political landscape at that time was characterized by the rise of communist influence, which, while promoting some progressive policies, was undermined by resistance and civil unrest.

Furthermore, in the broader context of global maternal leave policies, Afghanistan's situation in 1978 was emblematic of many developing nations facing similar challenges in implementing comprehensive social welfare programs. The lack of maternity benefits has long-term implications for women's health and child welfare, highlighting the need for structural reforms in support of family health and social stability.

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