Length of paid parental leave for mother 1989

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 in 1989 was a vital statistic reflecting the societal and governmental commitment to supporting family well-being and gender equality in the workforce. This metric not only gauged the support mothers received globally but also underscored the disparity between nations in offering this critical benefit. With data encompassing 189 countries, 1989 painted a stark picture of the global landscape regarding maternity leave provisions.

Global Maternity Leave Context in 1989

In 1989, maternity leave policies varied significantly worldwide, impacting mothers' ability to balance work and family life. Norway stood out as the leader, offering 42 days of paid leave, demonstrating its commitment to gender equality and family support. This contrasted sharply with the numerous countries—including prominent ones like the United States, Australia, and Argentina—which offered no paid maternity leave at all. The global average for paid parental leave for mothers was a mere 0.22 days, highlighting a significant gap between nations willing to invest in this social benefit and those that did not.

The lack of paid parental leave in many countries had profound economic and social implications. Countries with more generous maternity leave policies, like Norway, generally experienced higher female participation in the workforce. This correlation suggested that adequate maternity leave could mitigate the career interruptions many women faced, subsequently fostering economic growth by retaining skilled workers. Conversely, countries with no paid leave, such as the United States, risked higher levels of workforce attrition among new mothers, potentially exacerbating gender pay gaps and limiting economic progress.

Regional Contrasts and Patterns

Regional disparities in the length of paid parental leave were stark. Europe, led by Norway, showed a more progressive stance, whereas countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas were more likely to offer no paid leave. This regional divide highlighted different cultural, economic, and policy approaches to maternity leave. For instance, many African and Asian nations like Algeria, Angola, and Vietnam offered zero days, often due to economic constraints or differing societal norms regarding gender roles. These contrasts underscored the role of economic capacity and cultural values in shaping maternity leave policies.

Historical Perspectives on Maternity Leave

Examining 1989 in a historical context reveals the nascent stage of maternity leave policies worldwide. The minimal year-over-year changes—with the average increase and decrease both standing at 0.00%—suggested a period of stagnation. This lack of progress indicated that many nations had yet to prioritize or even address the importance of paid parental leave. While Norway's policy highlighted a forward-thinking approach, the global inertia signaled the beginning of a long journey toward achieving equitable maternity benefits worldwide.

Policy Outlook and Future Directions

The policy landscape of 1989 showed a clear need for international dialogue and reforms to establish more uniform maternity benefits across the globe. Countries like Norway served as a model for others, showcasing the benefits of investing in family support. Looking forward, global organizations and governments have the opportunity to address these disparities by crafting policies that support working mothers, promote gender equality, and enhance economic productivity. The discussions sparked in 1989 laid the groundwork for future policy shifts aimed at making paid parental leave a universal standard.

In summary, the length of paid parental leave for mothers in 1989 was a critical, yet varied metric that revealed much about global priorities regarding family support and gender equality. As nations continued to grapple with these issues, the lessons learned from the disparities of 1989 would prove invaluable in shaping more equitable and supportive policies worldwide.

Insights by country

Belgium

In 1989, Belgium ranked 17th 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 the socio-economic policies of the time, which did not prioritize parental support in the same way that many other European nations did.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including a focus on labor market participation without sufficient support for family-oriented policies. During this period, Belgium's social welfare system was evolving, and the emphasis on gender equality and family support was not yet fully integrated into national legislation.

Interestingly, many European countries were beginning to implement more progressive parental leave policies around this time, highlighting a contrast in approaches to family welfare. The absence of paid leave may have influenced family planning decisions for many Belgian women in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Brunei Darussalam

In 1989, Brunei Darussalam ranked 25th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This statistic highlights a significant gap in maternity benefits compared to global standards, where many countries provide several weeks or months of paid leave to support new mothers.

The absence of paid parental leave in Brunei during this period can be attributed to a combination of socio-economic factors, including a strong emphasis on traditional family structures and societal expectations regarding gender roles. Additionally, the nation’s wealth, derived primarily from oil and gas, may have led to a focus on economic growth rather than social welfare policies that support family life.

Interestingly, while many countries have made strides in improving parental leave policies since 1989, Brunei has maintained a unique position in Southeast Asia, often prioritizing economic stability over expansive social welfare programs. This context is essential in understanding the broader implications of parental leave policies on child health and family well-being.

South Sudan

In 1989, South Sudan ranked 159th out of 189 countries in terms of paid parental leave for mothers, offering a total of 0 days of paid leave. This lack of provision reflects broader challenges in the region, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict and instability, which have historically impeded the establishment of comprehensive social welfare policies.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the nascent state structure of South Sudan at the time, economic constraints, and the prioritization of urgent humanitarian needs over family support programs. Additionally, cultural norms regarding gender roles and family care may have influenced the lack of formal policies.

Interestingly, many countries around the world have since made significant strides in improving parental leave policies, recognizing the importance of supporting families during the critical early stages of a child's life. In contrast, South Sudan's situation underscores the ongoing challenges it faces in developing social policies amidst ongoing socio-economic difficulties.

Madagascar

In 1989, Madagascar ranked 101 out of 189 countries concerning the length of paid parental leave for mothers, providing 0 days of paid leave. This statistic reflects the country's limited support for maternal welfare and child-rearing during a critical period in a child's early development.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including economic constraints, lack of policy frameworks, and prioritization of immediate economic growth over social welfare programs. Such policies often disproportionately affect women's participation in the workforce and can hinder overall family stability.

Globally, many countries have recognized the importance of maternal leave, with varying lengths of paid leave offered. For instance, some nations provide several months to a year of paid leave, underscoring the importance of supporting new mothers during this significant life transition.

Samoa

In 1989, Samoa ranked 144 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 support systems available for working mothers during this period, indicating a potential lack of policy frameworks aimed at family welfare.

The low ranking and absence of paid leave can be attributed to factors such as economic constraints, cultural norms prioritizing traditional family structures, and a relatively small labor market that may not have emphasized the need for such benefits. Additionally, the focus on economic development in the late 20th century may have overshadowed the implementation of comprehensive parental support policies.

Interestingly, many countries in the region have since made strides in improving parental leave policies, highlighting a growing recognition of the importance of supporting families and enhancing child welfare as key components of societal development.

Papua New Guinea

In 1989, Papua New Guinea ranked 129 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, a striking position that reflects significant challenges in maternal support policies. The country offered 0 days of paid parental leave, indicating a lack of institutional support for new mothers during a critical period following childbirth.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural norms, and limited governmental infrastructure. Papua New Guinea, classified as a developing nation, often prioritizes immediate economic needs over social welfare programs, resulting in inadequate maternity benefits.

Additionally, this statistic is indicative of broader issues within the country's healthcare and social services systems, which may struggle to provide comprehensive support for families. Comparatively, many countries have since improved their parental leave policies, highlighting the ongoing need for reform in Papua New Guinea to enhance the well-being of mothers and children.

Philippines

In 1989, the Philippines ranked 132nd out of 189 countries concerning the length of paid parental leave for mothers, offering 0 days of paid parental leave. This lack of formal paid leave reflects broader issues within the country's labor policies and social support systems during that period.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including economic constraints, cultural attitudes towards gender roles, and a lack of legislative advocacy for women's rights in the workplace. The economic context of the late 1980s, marked by political instability and a focus on economic recovery, may have contributed to minimal attention given to labor rights.

Furthermore, this statistic highlights the challenges faced by working mothers in the Philippines, where informal employment is prevalent, and access to social protections is limited. In comparison, many countries have since recognized the importance of maternal leave for child health and maternal well-being, leading to a global trend towards improved parental leave policies.

Palau

In 1989, Palau ranked a notable 127 out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with an actual provision of 0 days. This absence of paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic conditions and cultural practices within the nation, which may prioritize immediate workforce participation over family support systems.

The lack of paid parental leave can be attributed to several factors, including the size and economic structure of Palau, which is heavily reliant on tourism and fisheries, industries that often do not offer extensive employee benefits. Additionally, Palau's historical reliance on the Compact of Free Association with the United States has influenced its labor policies, potentially leading to less emphasis on comprehensive family leave legislation.

Contextually, this statistic highlights a significant gap in maternal support compared to many other countries, which may provide several weeks to months of paid leave. The implications of such a policy—or lack thereof—can impact child health outcomes and maternal well-being, emphasizing the importance of developing supportive measures for families in the workforce.

Mali

In 1989, Mali ranked 105th 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 paid parental leave reflects broader socio-economic challenges and cultural norms surrounding family and gender roles within the country.

The absence of paid maternity leave can be attributed to several factors, including limited economic resources, inadequate labor laws, and a focus on traditional family structures where maternal responsibilities are often fulfilled without state support. Furthermore, the country's emphasis on agricultural and informal labor sectors may contribute to the lack of formalized parental leave policies.

Globally, many countries were beginning to recognize the importance of parental leave for child and maternal health during this period. In contrast, Mali's policy landscape highlighted significant gaps in support for working mothers, which could affect child development and women's participation in the workforce.

Marshall Islands

In 1989, the Marshall Islands ranked 107th out of 189 countries regarding the length of paid parental leave for mothers, with a total of 0 days allocated for this purpose. This lack of paid parental leave reflects broader societal and economic conditions within the nation, where traditional family structures and limited resources may play a significant role in the absence of formal support systems for new mothers.

The absence of paid parental leave can be attributed to various factors, including the country's small population, economic constraints, and prioritization of other social services over family leave policies. Additionally, the Marshall Islands' reliance on external aid and the challenges of developing comprehensive labor laws may hinder the implementation of such benefits.

Furthermore, in the broader context of the Pacific region, many countries face similar challenges regarding parental leave policies, often leading to disparities in support for families. Understanding these statistics is crucial for assessing the overall well-being of mothers and children in the Marshall Islands and for evaluating potential areas for policy improvement.

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