Length of paid parental leave for mother 1979

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)•

View data for:

Interactive Map

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

In 1979, the landscape of paid parental leave for mothers was starkly varied across the globe, reflecting diverse social policies and priorities among nations. This crucial social issue, encapsulated in the "Length of paid parental leave for mother" metric, is measured in days and highlights the importance of balancing family well-being with workforce participation. Analyzing the data from 189 countries, this article explores the implications of these statistics, shedding light on the socio-economic and policy-driven factors that influence parental leave around the world.

Global Inequality in Parental Leave

The year 1979 marked a period of significant disparity in paid parental leave for mothers. Norway led the world with an impressive 42 days of paid leave, setting a benchmark for other nations. This provision allowed Norwegian mothers to prioritize family needs without sacrificing financial stability. In stark contrast, a majority of countries, including Albania, Algeria, and the United States, offered no paid parental leave whatsoever. This lack of support reflects broader socio-economic inequalities and differing national priorities regarding gender roles and family support systems.

The provision or absence of paid parental leave has profound social and economic implications. Countries like Norway that offer extended leave tend to see higher female workforce participation rates and better family health outcomes. In contrast, nations with no paid leave often struggle with gender inequality in the workplace and increased financial stress on families. The average length of paid leave globally was a mere 0.22 days, underscoring a widespread neglect of maternal employment support. These disparities can contribute to long-term socio-economic divides, affecting everything from birth rates to economic productivity.

Cultural and Policy Influences

The variation in parental leave policies can often be traced back to cultural norms and governmental policy frameworks. In 1979, Scandinavian countries like Norway, with their strong welfare states, prioritized extensive social benefits, including parental leave. Meanwhile, many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas provided no statutory leave, reflecting either a reliance on traditional family structures or the prioritization of other economic policies over social welfare. These policy decisions are deeply intertwined with cultural attitudes toward motherhood and work, influencing how societies allocate resources and support citizens.

Historical Context and Policy Evolution

Understanding the historical context is crucial for interpreting the data from 1979. The post-war era saw significant changes in gender roles, with more women entering the workforce. This shift prompted some countries to reconsider their parental leave policies, although progress was uneven. In nations like Norway, the movement towards gender equality was gaining momentum, resulting in progressive policies. Conversely, many other countries were slow to adapt, either due to economic constraints or resistance to changing traditional gender roles. This historical context highlights the complex interplay between economic conditions, social norms, and policy development.

Regional Comparisons and Insights

An examination of regional patterns reveals that Europe, particularly Northern Europe, was at the forefront of parental leave policy in 1979. Scandinavian countries led the charge, reflecting broader social welfare policies in the region. In contrast, most countries in other parts of the world, particularly in Africa and the Americas, lagged behind. The lack of paid leave in these regions can be attributed to a combination of economic constraints, cultural norms, and differing policy priorities. This regional disparity underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how different societies approach work-life balance and gender equality.

In conclusion, the "Length of paid parental leave for mother" metric from 1979 highlights significant global disparities in social policy, reflecting a complex tapestry of cultural, economic, and policy influences. While countries like Norway set a high standard for maternal support, the majority of the world offered little to no paid leave, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of achieving equitable family support worldwide. These insights provide a foundation for understanding the evolution of parental leave policies and their profound impact on societies.

Insights by country

Mauritania

In 1979, Mauritania ranked 108 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of parental leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions in the country, where traditional gender roles and economic challenges may have limited the implementation of comprehensive parental support policies.

The absence of paid parental leave in Mauritania during this period can be attributed to various factors, including cultural norms that prioritize work and economic productivity over family leave, as well as limited government resources to provide such benefits. Additionally, the political and economic climate of the late 1970s, characterized by instability and underdevelopment, likely hindered progress in labor rights and social welfare legislation.

Globally, the trend towards recognizing the importance of parental leave has shifted over the decades, with many countries now implementing substantial paid leave policies to support families. This reflects a growing understanding of the benefits of parental leave for child health and family well-being, areas that Mauritania may continue to develop in the future.

Kyrgyzstan

In 1979, Kyrgyzstan ranked 92nd out of 189 countries regarding paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of paid parental leave reflects the broader socio-economic conditions and policies of the Soviet Union, under which Kyrgyzstan was then a constituent republic, where state support for maternity was limited compared to other nations.

The absence of paid leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on workforce participation and economic productivity over family welfare. Additionally, prevailing cultural norms during this period often emphasized traditional roles for women, which may have contributed to minimal governmental support for maternity leave policies.

In contrast, many countries worldwide were beginning to establish more comprehensive parental leave systems, highlighting the disparities in social safety nets across different regions. Such historical contexts are crucial for understanding the evolution of parental leave policies in Kyrgyzstan in the subsequent decades.

Brunei Darussalam

In 1979, Brunei Darussalam ranked 25th out of 189 countries regarding paid parental leave for mothers, offering a duration of 0 days. This statistic reflects a period when the country had limited provisions for maternity leave, which may have been influenced by its economic structure and cultural norms surrounding family and gender roles.

The absence of paid parental leave at that time suggests a societal focus on traditional family dynamics, where mothers were often expected to fulfill domestic roles without formal workplace protections. Additionally, Brunei's wealth from oil and gas may have contributed to a lack of urgency in implementing comprehensive labor laws that would support working mothers.

Interestingly, many countries around the world began to recognize the importance of parental leave during this period, with various nations implementing or expanding their maternity leave policies to support family well-being and child development.

Eswatini

In 1979, Eswatini ranked 57th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days offered. This statistic reflects a broader context of limited support for working mothers in the country, which may be indicative of economic and social structures at the time.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including cultural norms that prioritize traditional family roles, as well as economic constraints that limit government and employer capacity to provide such benefits. Additionally, in the late 1970s, many developing countries faced significant challenges, including high rates of poverty and limited resources for social welfare programs.

Interestingly, this statistic places Eswatini among a group of nations that have struggled to implement comprehensive maternity leave policies, reflecting a global trend where many countries have only begun to recognize the importance of paid parental leave in recent decades.

Gambia

In 1979, Gambia ranked 63rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects the broader socio-economic context of the country, where traditional family structures and economic constraints often limit governmental support for parental benefits.

The absence of paid maternity leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited financial resources for social welfare programs, a focus on immediate economic recovery, and cultural norms that prioritize family-based care without state intervention. Such conditions can adversely affect maternal health and child welfare.

In contrast, many countries around the world have established paid parental leave policies, recognizing its importance in promoting family well-being and workforce participation. The disparity in parental leave policies highlights ongoing challenges for women's rights and labor equity in Gambia and similar nations.

South Africa

In 1979, South Africa ranked 157 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave reflects the country's minimal support for working mothers during that period, which was characteristic of many nations where labor rights were still developing.

The lack of statutory paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the political climate of apartheid, which prioritized economic growth and labor productivity over social welfare policies. Additionally, traditional gender roles and the expectation that women would primarily fulfill caregiving responsibilities without state support contributed to this statistic.

Comparatively, many countries around the world have since made significant advancements in parental leave policies, highlighting the evolving recognition of the importance of supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

Portugal

In 1979, Portugal ranked 134th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflected the socio-economic context of the time, when Portugal was emerging from a period of dictatorship and undergoing significant political and social changes following the Carnation Revolution of 1974.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on economic recovery and the prioritization of labor policies that did not yet emphasize family rights or gender equality. In this era, women's roles were often limited in the workforce, and the concept of parental leave was not widely recognized or legislated.

Notably, the situation regarding parental leave in Portugal has evolved significantly since then, with current policies providing considerably more support for families. This historical perspective highlights the progress made in recognizing the importance of parental leave for both mothers and families as a whole.

Pakistan

In 1979, Pakistan ranked 126 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 maternal health and well-being at that time, which was indicative of broader societal norms and governmental policies regarding women's rights and family welfare.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including cultural attitudes towards gender roles, economic constraints, and a lack of legal frameworks supporting maternity benefits. In a predominantly patriarchal society, the prioritization of maternal leave was often overshadowed by economic productivity and traditional views on women's responsibilities.

Additionally, during this period, many developing countries, including Pakistan, were grappling with challenges related to political instability, economic hardship, and limited social services, which hindered the implementation of progressive labor policies. The lack of paid parental leave not only affected mothers but also had broader implications for child health and family stability.

Gabon

In 1979, Gabon ranked 62nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days offered. This statistic reflects the broader socio-economic context of the country during this period, where policies supporting family welfare and maternity leave were either limited or non-existent.

The absence of paid parental leave in Gabon could be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, a focus on labor productivity, and an underdeveloped social safety net. At the time, many developing countries faced challenges in implementing extensive welfare programs due to limited financial resources and competing developmental priorities.

Globally, the trend in the late 20th century was towards increasing support for parental leave; however, Gabon’s situation highlighted the disparities in social policy development across different nations. Understanding this historical context provides insight into the evolution of parental leave policies that have since been adopted in various countries.

Mali

In 1979, Mali ranked 105th 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 maternal health and family welfare in the country during this period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several socio-economic factors, including high levels of poverty, limited governmental resources, and a cultural context where women's roles are primarily centered around domestic responsibilities without formal workplace protections. This lack of support can negatively impact maternal health and child development outcomes.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that throughout the late 20th century, many developing nations faced similar challenges in establishing comprehensive parental leave policies, often resulting in significant disparities in family support systems compared to more developed countries.

Data Source

Women, Business and the Law, World Bank (WB)

The Women, Business and the Law (WBL) team invites collaboration from public and private sector experts on data collection and dissemination to help create jobs for women and boost economic growth globally. The next WBL report is expected to be published in March 2026. If you are a private sector expert interested in contributing, please refer to the expert contributors page for more information. For the first time, governments are invited to nominate focal points to coordinate the completion of questionnaires. If you wish to contribute, please refer to the government engagement page.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Length of paid parental leave for mother data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

More People and Society Facts

Currently married (Percent)

The percentage of currently married individuals by country highlights societal trends in family structure and relationships. Understanding these statistics can provide insights into cultural norms and demographic shifts, influencing policies and social programs.

View data

Browse All People and Society

Explore more facts and statistics in this category

All Categories

Discover more categories with comprehensive global data