Length of paid parental leave for mother 1983

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 1983, the length of paid parental leave for mothers remained a significant metric, reflecting the varied approaches countries took towards supporting family well-being and workforce integration. This critical social issue not only impacts maternal health and child development but also plays a crucial role in a country's economic and social policies. By examining global statistics, we gain insight into how different nations prioritized this aspect of parental care and how these priorities influenced society at large.

Global Perspectives on Paid Parental Leave

In 1983, a comprehensive overview of the length of paid parental leave for mothers revealed stark differences across the globe. With data available from 189 countries, it was notable that many nations did not provide any paid leave to new mothers, with the average duration being a mere 0.22 days and the median at 0.00 days. This suggests that while the concept of paid parental leave was recognized, its actual implementation was largely absent in most parts of the world. Norway stood out significantly by offering a maximum of 42 days, highlighting its progressive stance on parental leave policies. Meanwhile, countries such as Albania, Algeria, and the United States offered no paid leave, reflecting a broader global pattern of minimal or nonexistent support.

Regional Discrepancies in Parental Leave Policies

The data from 1983 uncovers regional trends where predominantly European countries like Norway led the way in offering comprehensive paid parental leave. This contrasts starkly with other regions such as Africa, the Americas, and Asia, where many countries, including Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Vietnam, provided no paid leave at all. The lack of paid parental leave in these regions can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including differing levels of economic development, traditional family structures, and the prioritization of other social policies. The regional discrepancies underline the importance of cultural, economic, and policy-driven factors in shaping national parental leave policies.

Impact on Women and Workforce Participation

The availability or absence of paid parental leave in 1983 had profound implications for women's participation in the workforce. In countries like Norway, the provision of 42 days of paid leave potentially facilitated greater workforce participation by allowing mothers to balance their professional and family responsibilities better. Conversely, in nations with no paid leave, women faced significant challenges in maintaining employment while managing new parental duties. The absence of supportive parental leave policies often forced women to choose between their careers and family life, impacting their long-term economic stability and career progression. This situation underscored the critical need for policies that support women's dual roles as caregivers and economic contributors.

Historical Context of Parental Leave in the Early 1980s

The early 1980s was a period of growing awareness regarding the importance of parental leave policies, but actual implementation was slow and inconsistent globally. Historical context reveals that many countries were still grappling with traditional views on gender roles and the economic implications of supporting paid leave. The disparity in the provision of parental leave during this time highlights the initial stages of a global dialogue on gender equality and family welfare. While progressive countries like Norway were early adopters of comprehensive policies, most other nations lagged, indicating a nascent understanding of the broader social benefits of supporting new parents.

Future Outlook and Policy Implications

Looking forward from 1983, the limited data on paid parental leave for mothers suggested a growing need for policy reform and advocacy. The stark contrast between countries with extensive leave policies and those without highlighted potential areas for international cooperation and learning. As global economies evolved and the conversation around gender equality and family welfare intensified, there was an increasing recognition of the benefits of paid parental leave. Future policy development would likely focus on not only extending the length of leave but also ensuring it is accessible and equitable across various socio-economic backgrounds. The insights from 1983 lay the groundwork for understanding the complexities surrounding parental leave and its pivotal role in shaping a balanced, inclusive society.

Insights by country

Sudan

In 1983, Sudan ranked 163 out of 189 countries in terms of the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days of paid leave granted. This statistic reflects the challenging socio-economic conditions and limited support for family welfare in the country during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including ongoing conflict, economic instability, and the lack of infrastructure to support social welfare programs. Additionally, cultural norms and traditional gender roles may have influenced the prioritization of paid leave policies.

As a point of comparison, many countries worldwide were beginning to establish more robust parental leave policies in the 1980s, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of maternity support for child health and family well-being. This disparity highlights the significant challenges faced by Sudanese families during this era.

Afghanistan

In 1983, Afghanistan ranked 2nd out of 189 countries for the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days of paid leave available. This statistic reflects the socio-political climate of the country during a time of significant turmoil, including the Soviet invasion and ongoing conflict, which severely impacted social services and women's rights.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the prevailing cultural norms that prioritize traditional gender roles and the lack of governmental support for family welfare programs. During this period, the focus on military and political stability overshadowed the implementation of social policies that would benefit families and promote gender equality in the workplace.

Moreover, it is significant to note that, historically, Afghanistan has faced numerous challenges in developing effective labor laws and social security systems, further exacerbating the plight of working mothers. The lack of paid parental leave underscores broader issues related to women's health, economic independence, and social equity within the nation.

Egypt

In 1983, Egypt ranked 52nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days of paid leave offered. This statistic reflects the limited support for working mothers in the country during that period, indicating a lack of formal policies aimed at promoting maternal welfare and work-life balance.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a predominantly informal labor market and cultural norms that may prioritize women's roles in the household over their participation in the workforce. This environment often results in insufficient policies that support parents, particularly mothers, in balancing their professional and familial responsibilities.

Moreover, in the broader context of the region, many countries at the time were also grappling with similar challenges regarding parental leave policies, reflecting a trend of inadequate support for families. This has significant implications for child health, maternal well-being, and gender equality in the workplace.

Bolivia

In 1983, Bolivia ranked 21 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a striking statistic of 0 days allocated for this purpose. This absence of paid leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and labor policies prevalent at the time, which often prioritized economic productivity over family support.

The lack of paid parental leave may have been influenced by several factors, including economic challenges, a focus on industrial development, and insufficient legal frameworks that did not prioritize maternal welfare. Additionally, cultural norms surrounding family and gender roles could have contributed to this situation, as women's labor force participation was often seen primarily in economic terms rather than in terms of family support and care responsibilities.

It is noteworthy that, while Bolivia's parental leave policy in 1983 was minimal, many countries have since recognized the importance of supporting new mothers through paid leave, which has been shown to benefit both child health and maternal well-being.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 1983, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 6th 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 the country's social policies and economic conditions during that period, which may have prioritized labor market participation over parental support.

The lack of paid parental leave can be linked to several factors, including the country's economic reliance on tourism and external industries, which may not have provided sufficient infrastructure for comprehensive family support policies. Furthermore, the cultural context in the Caribbean during the 1980s often placed emphasis on immediate economic contributions rather than long-term family welfare.

It is also relevant to note that many countries worldwide have since evolved their parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting families. By contrast, Antigua and Barbuda's 0-day policy in 1983 highlights a historical perspective on gender roles and family support systems, which have been subjects of ongoing discussions and reforms in many nations.

Guyana

In 1983, Guyana ranked 72nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notably low provision of 0 days. This statistic highlights the limited support for maternal well-being and child-rearing during a critical period in a child's early life.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors within the country, including economic challenges, political instability, and a lack of comprehensive labor policies. During the early 1980s, Guyana faced significant economic difficulties, which may have hindered the government's ability to implement supportive family policies.

Historically, many countries have recognized the importance of paid parental leave in promoting child health and maternal well-being, yet Guyana's position in 1983 illustrates the gap in such policies at that time. As a point of interest, many Caribbean nations have evolved their policies since then, often increasing the duration of paid leave as part of broader efforts to enhance family support and gender equality.

Ecuador

In 1983, Ecuador ranked 51st out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This lack of paid leave reflects broader social and economic challenges faced by the country, including limited support for working mothers and underdeveloped labor policies at the time.

The absence of paid parental leave in Ecuador can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and the prioritization of immediate labor needs over family welfare. During the early 1980s, many Latin American countries, including Ecuador, were grappling with economic instability, which often led to minimal social welfare provisions.

Globally, the trend towards providing paid parental leave has gained traction since the 1980s, with many countries recognizing the importance of supporting families. In contrast, Ecuador's position in 1983 highlights a significant gap in parental support that would eventually prompt discussions on labor reforms and social policy improvements in later years.

Brunei Darussalam

In 1983, Brunei Darussalam ranked 25th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic indicates that at that time, the country did not provide any formal paid parental leave for mothers, reflecting a policy environment that may not have prioritized maternal support.

The lack of paid parental leave in Brunei during this period can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic focus on rapid development and wealth accumulation, which may have overshadowed social welfare initiatives. Additionally, cultural norms and expectations surrounding motherhood and family roles may have influenced the absence of such policies.

As a point of reference, many countries around the world have since recognized the importance of parental leave in supporting family welfare and child development, leading to significant reforms in leave policies in the decades following 1983. This highlights a broader trend towards enhancing parental rights and supporting families in various sociocultural contexts.

Kazakhstan

In 1983, Kazakhstan ranked 87 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days. This statistic reflects the socio-economic and political climate of the time, as the country was under Soviet influence, where policies surrounding parental leave were often minimal and based on economic constraints rather than family welfare.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the centralized planning of the Soviet economy, which prioritized labor force participation over family support initiatives. Additionally, societal norms during this period often placed less emphasis on parental leave benefits, considering them secondary to production and economic output.

In contrast, many countries have since evolved their parental leave policies to support family needs, recognizing the importance of early childhood development and maternal health. This historical context highlights the significant changes in social policies that have occurred in Kazakhstan and other nations since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

China, Hong Kong SAR

In 1983, Hong Kong SAR ranked 37th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternal leave policies during that period, indicative of a broader socio-economic context where labor regulations were still developing.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a focus on economic growth and a relatively high female labor participation rate, which may have prioritized immediate workforce availability over family support policies. Additionally, cultural attitudes towards motherhood and employment during the early 1980s may have influenced legislative decisions regarding parental leave.

It is noteworthy that, as of more recent years, policies regarding parental leave in Hong Kong have evolved, with increasing recognition of the importance of work-life balance and child welfare, reflecting global trends towards improved family support systems.

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