Length of paid parental leave for mother 1986

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 1986, the length of paid parental leave for mothers emerged as a pivotal issue reflecting broader societal values and economic priorities across the globe. As nations grappled with the balance between workforce demands and family well-being, the disparity in parental leave policies highlighted significant socio-economic differences. Understanding the landscape of paid parental leave in 1986 provides valuable insights into how countries prioritized maternal support and gender equality during this period.

Global Overview of Parental Leave in 1986

The global landscape of paid parental leave for mothers in 1986 was marked by stark contrasts. With data from 189 countries, the average length of paid leave was a mere 0.22 days, starkly illustrating the limited support available to new mothers. Remarkably, Norway stood out as the most generous nation, offering 42 days of paid leave, emphasizing its commitment to gender equality and family welfare. Conversely, the majority of countries, including the United States, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe, offered no paid parental leave, highlighting the diverse policy approaches worldwide.

Regional Comparisons and Influencing Factors

Examining the regional differences in parental leave policies reveals several influencing factors, including economic development, cultural norms, and political priorities. In Europe, Norway's progressive policy contrasted with many neighboring countries that offered minimal or no paid leave. This disparity can be attributed to Norway's early adoption of gender equality measures and comprehensive welfare systems. In contrast, many developing nations across Africa and Asia, such as Zimbabwe and Vietnam, provided no paid leave, reflecting economic constraints and differing societal roles of women.

Policy and Societal Implications

The varied lengths of paid parental leave in 1986 had profound implications for both policy and society. Countries offering substantial leave, like Norway, demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting working mothers, potentially leading to higher female workforce participation and improved child welfare. The absence of paid leave in numerous countries underscored a need for policy reform to address gender disparities in the workplace and promote family health. As nations observed the benefits experienced by countries with generous leave policies, discussions around maternal support gained momentum, setting the stage for future policy changes.

Economic Context and Workforce Participation

The economic context of 1986 played a crucial role in shaping parental leave policies. Countries with robust economies, such as Norway, were better positioned to afford extensive parental benefits, viewing them as investments in human capital. In contrast, nations with constrained budgets struggled to implement similar measures. The lack of paid leave in the United States, despite its economic prowess, highlighted a prioritization of market-driven policies over social welfare. This divergence in economic strategies influenced workforce participation rates among women, with more accommodating policies encouraging higher engagement in the labor market.

Historical Perspective and Future Trends

The situation in 1986 marked a pivotal point in the evolution of parental leave policies. While immediate changes in policy were minimal, the year set the stage for growing recognition of parental rights as a critical social issue. Over the subsequent decades, many countries revised and expanded their parental leave policies, influenced by the demonstrated benefits in nations like Norway. The historical analysis of 1986 serves as a foundation for understanding ongoing trends in parental leave, illustrating the impact of economic development, social values, and political will on shaping family-friendly policies.

In conclusion, the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 1986 painted a complex picture of global priorities and societal values. The disparities revealed by this metric underscore the importance of continued advocacy for equitable parental support, recognizing its role in promoting gender equality and enhancing family well-being worldwide. As nations reflect on the lessons of the past, the pursuit of comprehensive parental leave policies remains a crucial element of social progress.

Insights by country

Italy

In 1986, Italy ranked 83rd out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave indicates a significant gap in support for new mothers during a critical period of child-rearing.

The lack of paid leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors prevalent in Italy during the 1980s, including a focus on traditional family structures and gender roles that may have prioritized women's domestic responsibilities over their rights in the workplace. Additionally, Italy's labor policies at the time were less progressive compared to other European nations, contributing to this low ranking.

Interestingly, many countries have since recognized the importance of paid parental leave, with some nations now offering extensive leave periods to support families, reflecting a global shift towards better work-life balance and gender equality.

Philippines

In 1986, the Philippines ranked 132nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant gap in support for new mothers in the country, highlighting the lack of formal policies promoting maternal leave during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including a prevailing economic climate that prioritized labor productivity over family welfare, and limited advocacy for women's rights at the time. The socio-political environment in the Philippines, marked by instability and the aftermath of the People Power Revolution, may have also influenced governmental focus on economic recovery rather than on social policies.

In comparison, many other countries were beginning to implement or expand paid parental leave programs, emphasizing the growing recognition of the importance of maternal health and child development. The lack of paid leave in the Philippines during this period has had long-term implications for women in the workforce and their families, contributing to broader discussions on gender equality and labor rights in subsequent decades.

Zimbabwe

In 1986, Zimbabwe ranked 189 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official provision of 0 days. This statistic reflects the country's limited support for maternal health and family welfare during a period characterized by significant economic and political challenges.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic instability, which was exacerbated by the aftermath of independence and ongoing conflicts. These conditions often limited governmental capacity to implement comprehensive social policies and benefits for workers, particularly women.

Moreover, during this period, Zimbabwe was experiencing a transition toward a new political and economic order, and social policies were not prioritized in the face of urgent economic concerns. This lack of support for maternity leave has long-term implications for women's health, workplace participation, and family well-being.

Guinea

In 1986, Guinea ranked 70th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering an astonishing 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflects broader social and economic challenges faced by the country during that period, particularly in relation to women's rights and labor policies.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited resources, a focus on immediate economic recovery, and the prioritization of other pressing issues such as education and healthcare. Additionally, traditional societal norms and roles often place the burden of child-rearing primarily on women, further complicating the push for formalized parental leave policies.

While Guinea's situation in 1986 was not uncommon in many developing nations at the time, it highlights ongoing discussions about gender equality in the workforce and the importance of supporting families through adequate parental leave. Globally, the trend has shifted towards recognizing the benefits of parental leave for both parents and children, promoting healthier family dynamics and improved child development outcomes.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 1986, Antigua and Barbuda ranked 6th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a notable statistic of 0 days of paid leave. This absence of paid parental leave reflects broader challenges within the country's social policies and labor rights during that period.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including limited economic resources, a focus on immediate workforce participation, and potential cultural attitudes towards family and work. As a small island nation, Antigua and Barbuda may have faced constraints in implementing comprehensive social welfare programs.

Interestingly, this statistic highlights the disparity in parental leave policies across different nations, particularly in the Caribbean region. In contrast, many countries have since adopted more progressive parental leave policies, which can influence child development, gender equality, and workforce participation rates.

Eritrea

In 1986, Eritrea had a ranking of 55 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic highlights the limited support for maternal health and family welfare during a period characterized by ongoing conflict and political instability in the region.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the protracted war of independence from Ethiopia, which severely impacted the country's social and economic infrastructure. The focus on military efforts often overshadowed the implementation of social welfare policies, resulting in minimal support for families.

Moreover, Eritrea's socio-economic challenges, including high poverty rates and limited resources, further hindered the establishment of comprehensive parental leave policies. Such conditions have historically affected not only maternal health but also child welfare, with long-term implications for societal development.

Mongolia

In 1986, Mongolia ranked 112th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, with an official length of 0 days. This statistic reflects the limited support for maternal health and family welfare during a period marked by significant economic and political challenges, including the transition from a centrally planned economy.

The absence of paid parental leave in Mongolia can be attributed to various factors, including the country's economic conditions, which were heavily influenced by state policies that prioritized industrial development over social welfare programs. Additionally, cultural norms during this period may have placed less emphasis on formalized parental support systems.

It is notable that many countries in the world were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave for child development and maternal health around this time, highlighting Mongolia's lag behind global trends in family policy. The lack of paid parental leave could have long-term implications for child health outcomes and gender equality in the workplace.

Malaysia

In 1986, Malaysia ranked 103rd 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 placed Malaysia among the countries with minimal support for new mothers, reflecting a broader trend in many developing nations at the time where maternity benefits were limited or non-existent.

The absence of paid parental leave in Malaysia during this period can be attributed to several factors, including economic priorities focused on industrialization and rapid growth, which often sidelined social welfare policies. Additionally, cultural norms and traditional family structures may have contributed to the perception that family care responsibilities should rest predominantly on women without formal support from employers or the government.

As a point of comparison, many countries around the world were beginning to establish more comprehensive parental leave policies in the late 20th century, recognizing the importance of supporting families and promoting gender equality in the workplace. This highlights the disparities in social policies that can exist between nations, particularly in terms of supporting working mothers and their children.

Egypt

In 1986, Egypt ranked 52nd out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, which was recorded at 0 days. This statistic reflects a significant lack of formal support for maternal leave during this period, indicating that mothers were not entitled to any paid time off following childbirth.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various socio-economic factors, including a focus on labor market participation without adequate policies to support family needs. Additionally, cultural norms at the time may have placed less emphasis on formalized parental leave, with societal expectations often prioritizing immediate economic contributions over parental responsibilities.

Globally, the trend for parental leave has evolved, with many countries increasing support for families through paid leave policies. This shift highlights the growing recognition of the importance of maternal care and its impact on child development, contrasting sharply with Egypt's situation in 1986.

Austria

In 1986, Austria ranked 10th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a notable position given the 0 days of paid parental leave offered at that time. This absence of paid leave reflects the country's historical context and societal norms regarding gender roles and family support systems during that period.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including a focus on traditional family structures and economic considerations that prioritized workforce participation over parental support. In the mid-1980s, many European countries were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave, yet Austria's policies lagged behind, reflecting a more conservative approach to family welfare.

It is significant to note that since then, Austria has made substantial progress in reforming parental leave policies, which now provide a more supportive framework for families, aligning with broader European standards that emphasize work-life balance and child welfare.

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