Length of paid parental leave for mother 1981

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

In 1981, the concept of paid parental leave for mothers was a burgeoning issue that revealed significant disparities across the globe. The availability of paid parental leave is a crucial factor that influences family well-being, gender equality in the workforce, and broader societal health. This article provides an in-depth look at the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 1981, showcasing the global statistics, key players, and the socio-economic implications of this metric.

Global Disparities in Paid Parental Leave

The data from 1981 reveals stark contrasts in the provision of paid parental leave for mothers, with only Norway offering a substantial period of 42 days. This sets a high standard compared to the rest of the world, where a majority of countries provided no paid leave at all. The minimum recorded value was zero days, a reality faced by numerous countries, including Afghanistan, United States, and Venezuela. This lack of paid leave in 188 out of 189 countries underscores a significant gap in maternal support policies, contributing to the challenges faced by working mothers globally.

Norwegian Exceptionalism: Leading the World

Norway stands out in the 1981 data as the only country providing 42 days of paid parental leave for mothers. This progressive policy reflects Norway's long-standing commitment to social welfare and gender equality. The Nordic model, as exemplified by Norway, integrates comprehensive family support systems, recognizing the importance of enabling mothers to balance work and family life. The provision of paid parental leave is a critical component of this system, fostering higher female workforce participation and contributing positively to the country's social fabric.

Economic development and social policies play crucial roles in shaping the duration of paid parental leave. Countries with robust economies and strong social welfare systems, like Norway, tend to offer more generous leave policies. In contrast, many developing nations struggle to implement similar measures due to limited economic resources and differing policy priorities. In 1981, the absence of paid parental leave in countries such as Zimbabwe and Yemen reflected not only economic constraints but also varying cultural norms regarding women's roles in society and the workplace.

Impact on Gender Equality and Workforce Participation

The length of paid parental leave is intricately linked to gender equality and women's participation in the workforce. In 1981, the near absence of paid leave in most countries highlighted a significant barrier to achieving gender parity in employment. Without adequate leave, many mothers faced difficult choices between their careers and caregiving responsibilities. Norway's policy served as a pioneering example, demonstrating how paid leave can enhance gender equality by enabling women to maintain their professional roles while fulfilling family responsibilities.

Historical Context and Evolution of Parental Leave

In the historical context of 1981, the concept of paid parental leave was still developing. The low global average of 0.22 days indicates widespread neglect of this social issue at the time. However, the gradual recognition of the importance of parental leave in subsequent decades has led to significant policy advancements. Over the years, many countries have adopted more comprehensive maternity leave policies, inspired by early leaders like Norway. This evolution reflects a growing understanding of the societal benefits of supporting new mothers through paid leave, contributing to healthier families and stronger economies.

While 1981 marked a period of limited parental leave offerings worldwide, the data reveals the beginning of a shift towards recognizing the critical role of paid leave in fostering social and economic well-being. Norway's leadership in this area foreshadowed future trends, setting a precedent that would influence global policy changes in the decades to come.

Insights by country

Tajikistan

In 1981, Tajikistan ranked 168 out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternal health and family welfare during this period, particularly in the context of the Soviet Union's policies where such matters were often not prioritized.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the economic conditions of the time, the emphasis on workforce participation, and the lack of comprehensive social welfare policies. Additionally, Tajikistan was undergoing significant social and political changes, which may have diverted attention from family-oriented policies.

Interestingly, the broader context of parental leave policies across the Soviet Union during the early 1980s often varied significantly, with some republics having more progressive policies than others. Nonetheless, the lack of paid parental leave in Tajikistan highlighted the disparities in social safety nets within the region.

Samoa

In 1981, Samoa ranked 144th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing a total of 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave highlights significant gaps in maternity support, which can impact maternal health and child welfare.

The lack of paid parental leave in Samoa during this period can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including limited government resources and a focus on traditional family structures where extended family often plays a role in child-rearing. Additionally, the economic context of the time may have prioritized labor needs over family welfare policies.

Globally, many countries have since recognized the importance of paid parental leave, with policies evolving to support families better. As of the early 21st century, numerous nations have implemented comprehensive parental leave policies aimed at improving health outcomes for mothers and children alike.

Mexico

In 1981, Mexico ranked 110th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an actual provision of 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant lack of support for maternal leave during that period, which was indicative of broader social and economic conditions in the country.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited labor rights, economic constraints, and a focus on maintaining workforce productivity. During the early 1980s, Mexico was undergoing significant economic challenges, including a debt crisis, which may have influenced government policies surrounding labor and social welfare.

Additionally, this statistic highlights the disparity in parental support when compared to other countries, as many developed nations had already implemented more generous parental leave policies. The lack of paid leave has implications not only for maternal health but also for child development and family stability.

Maldives

In 1981, the Maldives ranked 104th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, providing a total of 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid maternity leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and policies that were prevalent in the Maldives at the time, indicating limited support for working mothers in the workforce.

Several factors contributed to this statistic, including the country's developing economic status, reliance on tourism, and traditional gender roles that often placed the burden of child-rearing predominantly on women. Additionally, the lack of legislative frameworks supporting family leave likely hindered progress in this area.

Historically, many countries have struggled with similar issues, but the global trend has moved towards increasing parental leave benefits over the decades. This statistic serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for family-friendly policies that promote gender equality and support for new parents.

Mongolia

In 1981, Mongolia ranked 112th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at an alarming 0 days. This lack of paid parental leave reflects the broader socio-economic conditions of the time, characterized by a heavily centralized economy and limited social welfare provisions.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the political landscape under Soviet influence, where economic priorities often took precedence over social welfare policies. Additionally, traditional cultural practices may have played a role in shaping attitudes towards maternal responsibilities and employment.

Despite this, it is noteworthy that Mongolia's policies have evolved significantly since that time, with increased awareness of the importance of parental leave for child development and maternal health, leading to improvements in subsequent decades.

Nigeria

In 1981, Nigeria ranked 123rd 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 provision reflects broader challenges within the country's labor policies and social support systems at the time, which were often underdeveloped and inadequately addressed the needs of working mothers.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, limited prioritization of family welfare in policymaking, and a workforce largely characterized by informal employment, where such benefits are seldom provided. Additionally, the sociocultural context in Nigeria, where traditional family structures often support child-rearing, may have diminished the perceived necessity for formal parental leave policies.

As a point of comparison, many countries have since recognized the importance of supporting families through paid parental leave, with benefits that can significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes. Nigeria's 1981 statistic highlights the need for continued advocacy for women's rights and family support policies in the country.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

In 1981, Saint Kitts and Nevis ranked 141 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a statistic that indicated a provision of 0 days of paid leave. This ranking suggests that the country had limited support for new mothers in terms of maternity benefits, which may reflect broader socio-economic conditions and priorities at that time.

The absence of paid parental leave in Saint Kitts and Nevis during this period could be attributed to various factors, including a focus on economic development and the challenges of a small island economy, which may have limited resources for extensive social welfare programs. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding gender roles and family structures may have influenced the lack of formalized maternal support.

As a point of comparison, many countries in the Caribbean region have also struggled with similar issues, often providing minimal or no paid parental leave. This highlights a broader trend in the region where economic constraints can impact the availability of social protections for families.

Peru

In 1981, Peru ranked 131 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official provision of 0 days. This lack of statutory paid leave reflects significant gaps in social welfare policies during that period, which was characterized by economic challenges and political instability in the country.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to a combination of factors, including limited resources for social programs, a focus on economic development over social welfare, and prevailing cultural norms that may not have prioritized maternal support in the workforce. During this time, Peru was grappling with issues such as hyperinflation, social unrest, and a shift towards neoliberal economic policies, which often sidelined comprehensive health and family support initiatives.

Interestingly, the lack of paid parental leave in 1981 is indicative of broader trends in Latin America, where many countries faced similar challenges. Over the decades, however, there has been a gradual increase in awareness and advocacy for parental rights, leading to reforms in various countries aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 1981, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked 143rd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This absence of paid parental leave reflects the limited social welfare policies that were in place during that period, impacting the support for new mothers in the country.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, prioritization of immediate economic growth over social welfare programs, and a lack of political will to implement comprehensive family support policies. At that time, many Caribbean nations faced similar challenges, often leading to inadequate support systems for families.

Interestingly, the absence of paid parental leave during this period was not unique to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Many countries worldwide were struggling with similar issues, often resulting in low rankings in global comparisons of maternal support and child welfare initiatives.

Palau

In 1981, Palau ranked 127 out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a recorded total of 0 days. This statistic highlights the absence of formal paid maternity leave provisions during that period, which reflects broader socio-economic conditions and cultural practices within the nation.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the small population size of Palau, limited economic resources, and a reliance on traditional family structures where extended family may provide support during maternity. Additionally, the development of labor rights and social welfare programs in the Pacific island nations has historically lagged behind that of more developed countries.

As a related fact, the global trend toward establishing maternity leave policies has grown significantly since the 1980s, with many countries now recognizing the importance of such provisions in promoting child health and maternal well-being. This evolution underscores the shifting attitudes toward parental support and gender equality in the workforce.

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