Length of paid parental leave for mother 1980

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 reflecting on a nation's commitment to family well-being and gender equality. In 1980, this statistic varied significantly across the globe, highlighting profound differences in how countries supported maternal roles during the early months of child-rearing. Understanding these variations provides insight into social policies and their broader implications on workforce participation and family dynamics.

International Comparisons: A Patchwork of Policies

In 1980, the global landscape of paid parental leave for mothers was strikingly uneven. Among the 189 countries with available data, Norway stood out by offering 42 days of paid leave, the maximum observed. This policy underscored Norway's progressive stance on gender equality and family support, a trend consistent with its broader social welfare policies. In stark contrast, a substantial number of countries, including the United States, Australia, and Argentina, reported zero days of paid parental leave, highlighting significant disparities in social policy priorities. Such differences often mirrored economic capabilities and cultural attitudes towards maternity and female workforce participation.

Social Impact and Workforce Participation

The absence of paid parental leave can have far-reaching implications on both family dynamics and national economies. Countries with minimal to no paid leave, like many listed in the bottom 10, faced challenges in supporting working mothers, potentially affecting women’s sustained participation in the workforce. The lack of paid leave could lead to increased stress and financial strain on families, potentially impacting child development and maternal health. Conversely, offering paid leave, as demonstrated by Norway, can bolster family well-being and encourage a balanced work-life integration, ultimately fostering a more inclusive economic environment.

Historical Context: Evolution of Parental Leave Policies

The data from 1980 serves as a historical snapshot, revealing the nascent stage of parental leave policies globally. At this time, many nations were yet to recognize the importance of structured support for working mothers. The absence of parental leave policies in many countries can be traced back to traditional gender roles that placed the burden of childcare solely on mothers, without institutional support. Over the decades, as gender equality movements gained momentum, more countries began to implement or improve paid parental leave policies, recognizing their role in empowering women and supporting families.

Economic Considerations and Policy Formulation

The implementation of paid parental leave policies is often intertwined with a country's economic standing. Wealthier nations with robust social welfare programs, such as Norway, could afford to provide extended paid leave, reflecting their broader prioritization of social equity and workforce stability. In contrast, developing countries or those with constrained fiscal resources faced challenges in enacting comprehensive leave policies. These economic constraints often forced governments to prioritize immediate economic needs over long-term societal benefits, affecting the availability and length of paid leave.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

The disparities observed in 1980 highlight the necessity for international collaboration and knowledge sharing to improve parental leave systems worldwide. Countries with limited leave policies could benefit from adopting best practices from nations with successful schemes, fostering a more equitable and supportive environment for families. As global awareness of gender equality and family rights continues to grow, it is crucial for policymakers to recognize the long-term benefits of paid parental leave, not only for families but also for creating resilient and inclusive economies.

The Length of paid parental leave for mothers in 1980 serves as a reminder of the progress yet to be made in achieving gender parity and supporting family well-being. As we look toward future policy improvements, understanding the historical and global context of these statistics is essential for fostering a more equitable world for all families.

Insights by country

Republic of Moldova

In 1980, the Republic of Moldova ranked 137th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an alarming statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This indicates a significant lack of support for new mothers during a critical period of early child development.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the economic conditions of the time, political instability, and a lack of prioritization of family welfare policies. During this period, Moldova was under Soviet influence, which often led to centralized policies that did not adequately address individual family needs.

Additionally, the lack of paid parental leave in Moldova during this era reflects broader trends in Eastern Europe, where many countries faced similar challenges in promoting family-friendly policies. Such conditions may have contributed to higher stress levels for new parents, impacting both maternal and infant health outcomes.

Micronesia (Fed. States of)

In 1980, Micronesia (Federated States of) ranked 111th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader social and economic conditions in the region, where traditional family structures and roles often influence policies related to maternity leave.

The absence of paid parental leave can be linked to several factors, including limited economic resources, prevailing cultural norms that prioritize immediate economic contributions over parental support, and a lack of legislative advocacy for women's rights and family welfare. In many Pacific Island nations, the emphasis on community and extended family care may also mitigate the perceived need for formal maternity leave policies.

Globally, the absence of paid parental leave can impact women's participation in the workforce and contribute to gender disparities in employment and income. As of 1980, many countries were beginning to recognize the importance of supporting new parents, yet Micronesia remained one of the nations lagging in this regard.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 1980, Saint Kitts and Nevis ranked 141 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights the limited support for new mothers in the nation during that period, reflecting broader socio-economic conditions and governmental policies that may not have prioritized family welfare.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to multiple factors, including the country's economic constraints and a focus on immediate labor needs over long-term social support systems. Additionally, the cultural context may have influenced the prioritization of traditional family structures and informal support networks over formalized government assistance.

Globally, many countries have since evolved their parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting families during critical early stages of child development. In contrast, the situation in Saint Kitts and Nevis in 1980 serves as a reminder of the historical challenges faced by many nations in establishing robust family-friendly policies.

Rwanda

In 1980, Rwanda ranked 140 out of 189 countries concerning the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded value of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternity leave policies during that period, indicative of broader socio-economic conditions and cultural norms in the country.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including a predominantly agrarian economy, where women's roles were traditionally centered around household and farm duties, and limited governmental resources to implement such policies. Additionally, the political climate and social structures prevalent at the time likely contributed to the prioritization of economic stability over social welfare reforms.

It is noteworthy that many countries worldwide were also grappling with similar challenges regarding maternity leave, but Rwanda's ranking underscores the need for progressive reforms that promote women's rights and family support systems in developing nations.

Mali

In 1980, Mali ranked 105 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 statutory paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and cultural practices in Mali during this period.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a limited economic framework, insufficient government resources, and a focus on traditional family structures where informal support systems often fill the role of maternity care. Additionally, the predominance of subsistence agriculture in the economy means many women are engaged in informal labor, which often lacks benefits such as paid leave.

Furthermore, the absence of such policies can have long-term implications for maternal health and child development, as women may face economic pressures to return to work immediately after childbirth. Countries with more established welfare systems tend to offer more comprehensive parental leave, highlighting a significant disparity in maternal support policies globally.

Morocco

In 1980, Morocco ranked 114th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of such leave. This lack of provision reflects broader social and economic conditions prevalent in the country during that period, where traditional family structures often dictated gender roles and women's labor participation was limited.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a prevailing cultural emphasis on familial responsibilities over state support, alongside economic challenges that constrained government resources for social welfare programs. Additionally, Morocco's labor policies at the time did not prioritize parental leave, which contributed to gender disparities in the workforce.

It is noteworthy that, globally, many countries have since recognized the importance of parental leave, reflecting a shift towards valuing family health and well-being. Morocco's situation in 1980 contrasts sharply with trends in many parts of the world that have since implemented more supportive measures for new mothers, highlighting the evolution of social policies over recent decades.

Mozambique

In 1980, Mozambique ranked 115th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded value of 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects the broader socio-economic challenges faced by the nation during a period marked by civil conflict and economic instability.

The absence of paid leave can be attributed to several factors, including the aftermath of the Mozambican Civil War, which lasted from 1977 to 1992, and resulted in significant disruption to social services and infrastructure. Additionally, the economic conditions at the time limited the government's ability to implement supportive family policies.

Interestingly, this situation contrasts sharply with global trends, as many countries were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave in supporting family welfare and child development. As a result, this statistic highlights the challenges Mozambique faced in promoting gender equality and supporting families during a tumultuous period in its history.

Montenegro

In 1980, Montenegro ranked 113th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this benefit. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternal care during this period, which can be attributed to the socio-economic and political landscape of the time, particularly under the influence of the former Yugoslavia.

The absence of paid parental leave may have been influenced by a variety of factors, including economic constraints, a focus on industrial labor, and traditional gender roles that did not prioritize maternal leave. Additionally, during this era, many Eastern European countries were grappling with economic challenges that affected social welfare policies.

In comparison to contemporary standards, where many countries offer extensive parental leave policies, the lack of support in 1980 highlights the significant changes in societal attitudes towards parental responsibilities and women's rights in the workplace over the following decades.

Peru

In 1980, Peru ranked 131st out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This lack of support for new mothers was reflective of broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country, including limited resources and a focus on immediate economic stability over social welfare programs.

The absence of paid parental leave in Peru during this period can be attributed to various factors, such as a predominantly agrarian economy, high levels of poverty, and insufficient government infrastructure to support family-related policies. Additionally, cultural norms often placed the responsibility of childcare on families rather than on state provisions.

In contrast to many countries that began implementing more supportive parental leave policies in the late 20th century, Peru's lack of provisions highlighted significant gaps in social support systems. This situation has evolved over the decades, with increasing recognition of the importance of parental leave for child development and maternal health.

Iran

In 1980, Iran ranked 79th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an alarming statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of support for new mothers is indicative of the broader socio-economic and political challenges faced by the country during this period, particularly following the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which led to significant shifts in governance and social policies.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the prioritization of economic recovery over social welfare programs, as well as prevailing cultural norms that traditionally placed the burden of child-rearing on women without state support. Additionally, the political climate of the time may have diverted resources and attention away from family-focused policies.

It is noteworthy that many countries have since implemented more progressive parental leave policies, reflecting changing attitudes towards family support and gender equality. As of now, the global trend has been towards increasing the duration and financial support provided during parental leave, emphasizing the importance of such measures for both child development and maternal health.

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