Length of paid parental leave for mother 1982

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 mother" is a critical social metric that reveals the support different countries offer to working mothers. In 1982, this metric varied dramatically across the globe, highlighting diverse socio-economic policies and cultural attitudes towards family and work. Understanding these variations is essential for grasping the broader implications on family well-being and women's participation in the workforce.

Global Variations in Paid Parental Leave in 1982

In 1982, the length of paid parental leave for mothers varied significantly across 189 countries, with the average offering being a mere 0.22 days. This low average illustrates the limited support for working mothers at a global level during this period. Norway stood out with the maximum value of 42 days, showcasing its progressive stance towards parental support. In stark contrast, the majority of countries, including Albania, Algeria, Angola, and Argentina, offered no paid parental leave, reflecting a widespread lack of institutional support for new mothers. This disparity points to broader socio-economic divides and policy priorities that influenced family and gender dynamics in the workplace.

Nordic Leadership in Maternal Support

Norway's leadership in offering 42 days of paid parental leave in 1982 exemplifies the Nordic model's commitment to gender equality and family welfare. This approach aligns with broader social policies prevalent in the region that focus on high social welfare standards and gender parity. The Nordic countries have historically prioritized policies that facilitate work-life balance, and Norway's policy in 1982 is a testament to this tradition. The extensive leave period afforded mothers the necessary time to recover and bond with their newborns, which has been shown to have long-term benefits for child development and maternal health.

Absence of Legal Support in Many Countries

In 1982, a substantial number of countries, including the United States, Venezuela, and Vietnam, offered zero days of paid parental leave. This lack of support highlights a significant gap in social policy that could have far-reaching implications for maternal health and economic stability. The absence of paid parental leave in these countries often pressured new mothers to return to work prematurely, potentially affecting family dynamics and child development negatively. This also underscores a critical area where policy intervention could support gender equality and economic growth by enabling women to participate more fully in the labor market.

Historical Context and Evolution

The year 1982 marks a period when global awareness regarding the importance of paid parental leave was beginning to gain traction. However, the lack of significant year-over-year change in the data indicates that progress was slow. The average change in paid leave remained stagnant, emphasizing the need for a robust international dialogue to encourage policy reform. The disparity highlighted by countries like Norway versus others with no leave illustrates the varied paths countries have taken towards adapting their labor laws to support family life. This historical context serves as a backdrop for the strides made in subsequent decades, where more countries have recognized the importance of supporting new mothers through paid leave.

Impact on Women's Workforce Participation

Paid parental leave is a critical factor influencing women's workforce participation. In 1982, the limited provision of paid leave likely acted as a barrier to many women re-entering the workforce post-childbirth. Countries like Norway that offered more substantial leave were better positioned to facilitate women's return to work by ensuring they had the necessary time for recovery and adjustment. The lack of such provisions in many countries could contribute to persistent gender disparities in employment and earnings. Encouragingly, the global dialogue around this issue has evolved significantly since 1982, with many countries implementing or expanding paid leave policies to better support working mothers.

In conclusion, the global landscape of paid parental leave in 1982 was characterized by significant disparities, with only a few countries offering substantial support to new mothers. The data from this period provides valuable insights into the socio-economic and policy frameworks that influenced women's roles in the workforce and the broader societal approach to family welfare. As more countries recognize the importance of supporting new parents, the lessons from 1982 continue to inform current policy discussions aimed at fostering gender equality and economic growth.

Insights by country

Gambia

In 1982, Gambia ranked 63rd 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 a broader trend in many developing nations where social safety nets and parental support systems are often underdeveloped.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, limited governmental resources, and cultural norms surrounding family and work. At the time, Gambia's economy was largely reliant on agriculture, which may have influenced labor policies that did not prioritize parental benefits.

Notably, many countries in similar economic contexts during the early 1980s also struggled to provide adequate parental leave, emphasizing the global challenge of ensuring sufficient support for new parents. The absence of paid leave could have significant implications for maternal health and child development, highlighting a critical area for policy improvement in Gambia.

South Africa

In 1982, South Africa ranked 157th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid maternity leave reflects broader social and economic conditions prevalent in the country during this period, characterized by a lack of supportive family policies and a focus on labor market participation without adequate support for working mothers.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the socio-political context of apartheid, which prioritized economic growth over social welfare programs. The inequities and segregation inherent in the system further limited the government's capacity to implement comprehensive family-friendly policies.

Globally, the absence of paid parental leave in South Africa during this time was part of a larger trend in many developing countries where economic constraints often overshadowed the need for family support policies. In contrast, many developed nations enacted more progressive parental leave policies, highlighting disparities in social welfare systems worldwide.

Ghana

In 1982, Ghana ranked 66th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This lack of parental leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges faced by the country during this period, including economic instability and limited social welfare systems.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, such as a focus on immediate economic recovery and the prioritization of industrial and agricultural productivity over social welfare policies. Additionally, traditional gender roles and the informal nature of much of the labor market in Ghana may have contributed to a lack of formalized maternity benefits.

It is noteworthy that in many countries, paid parental leave is considered essential for child development and maternal health, influencing policies in subsequent years. As of now, Ghana has made strides towards improving family leave policies, highlighting the evolving understanding of the importance of supporting parents in the workforce.

Greece

In 1982, Greece ranked 67th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights the limited support for new mothers at that time, reflecting broader social and economic factors within the country.

The absence of paid parental leave in Greece during this period can be attributed to various reasons, including a lack of comprehensive labor policies and a societal structure that placed less emphasis on maternal support. Economic constraints and a predominantly patriarchal society may have further contributed to the minimal recognition of parental leave rights.

In contrast to Greece's policies in 1982, many countries have since adopted more inclusive parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting families and promoting child health and well-being. This historical context sheds light on the evolution of parental leave rights globally and the necessity for ongoing reforms in social policies.

Comoros

In 1982, Comoros had a ranking of 39 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an actual value of 0 days. This statistic indicates that mothers in Comoros did not receive any paid parental leave during that year, reflecting a significant gap in social welfare provisions.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited economic resources, a lack of comprehensive labor laws, and the country's developmental challenges. As a small island nation, Comoros faced constraints in implementing extensive social policies, which often prioritize economic sustainability over parental support.

Globally, the lack of paid parental leave is associated with lower maternal health outcomes and can impact child development. In contrast, many countries have recognized the importance of parental leave in fostering family health and well-being, leading to increasing trends in policy reforms aimed at providing such benefits.

Armenia

In 1982, Armenia ranked 8th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic indicates that during this period, mothers in Armenia did not receive any paid time off for parental leave, reflecting the socio-economic and political circumstances of the time.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the economic challenges faced by the country, as well as the influence of the Soviet Union's policies, which often prioritized labor productivity over family welfare. The lack of provisions for parental leave may also reflect a broader societal context where women's roles were largely confined to the workforce without adequate support for family responsibilities.

Interestingly, this statistic stands in stark contrast to contemporary practices in many countries, where paid parental leave has become an essential aspect of family policy, aimed at promoting child welfare and supporting working mothers. Over the years, numerous countries have recognized the importance of parental leave in fostering early childhood development and gender equality in the workforce.

Bolivia

In 1982, Bolivia ranked 21 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notably low value of 0 days. This absence of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and policies at the time, which often did not prioritize maternal welfare or child development.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic challenges, limited government resources, and a prevailing cultural emphasis on traditional family structures that may not have recognized the need for formalized support for new mothers. This situation could have had lasting implications for maternal health and child wellbeing.

Interestingly, as of recent years, Bolivia has made strides in improving its maternity leave policies, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of supporting families. However, the stark contrast from the policies in 1982 highlights the significant progress that still needed to be made in terms of gender equality and family support.

Czech Republic

In 1982, the Czech Republic ranked 46th out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a duration of 0 days. This statistic reflects a period when the country was still under communist rule, which often prioritized labor force participation over family leave policies.

The absence of paid parental leave during this time can be attributed to the state's emphasis on women's roles as workers rather than caregivers, leading to minimal support for maternity leave. Additionally, the economic structure focused on maintaining high employment rates, which likely contributed to the lack of provisions for parental support.

Interestingly, many Eastern European countries faced similar circumstances during the same era, where economic policies often clashed with the emerging needs of families, highlighting a broader trend in the region regarding parental leave and social welfare systems.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

In 1982, Bosnia and Herzegovina had a ranking of 22 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was notably 0 days. This statistic reflects the socio-political context of the time, particularly under the Yugoslav federation, where policies often prioritized economic productivity over family support systems.

The absence of paid parental leave could be attributed to various factors, including the economic conditions of the era, the prevailing attitudes towards gender roles, and a lack of legislative frameworks supporting parental rights. During this period, many women were expected to balance work and family responsibilities without formal state assistance.

It is also significant to note that such policies have evolved dramatically in many countries since then, with increasing recognition of the importance of parental leave in promoting child welfare and gender equality in the workforce. For example, as of recent years, many nations have implemented extensive parental leave policies that support both mothers and fathers, highlighting a shift in societal values regarding family and caregiving responsibilities.

Costa Rica

In 1982, Costa Rica ranked 42nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This absence of paid parental leave reflects the country's policies during that period, which were less supportive of maternity rights compared to many other nations.

Factors contributing to this statistic may include a limited focus on labor rights and social welfare programs, which were not prioritized in the political discourse of the time. Economic conditions and the need for workforce participation may have also influenced the government's stance on parental leave.

It is noteworthy that many countries have since expanded their parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting families and promoting child development, while Costa Rica has gradually made improvements in this area in subsequent decades.

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