Accommodate mothers!
It’s a reality that not all women can afford to be stay at home mothers. Some can’t afford a nanny. Working mothers need a longer maternity leave as well as mother friendly working hours and facilities. The bond between a mother and her new born is extremely important.
From Ms Francesca Fernandes
UAE
Longer maternity leave
Being home with a baby and spending more time with the baby is very important for a mother. After all, these are our children and they should be raised by us not by a nanny or a babysitter. I totally agree to extend maternity leave.
From Ms Rita Keswani
UAE
Stop working
I think being a stay-at-home mother is more important than being a working woman for children. I stopped working when I had my first daughter, and I didn’t regret it.
From Mr Hazel E.
UAE
It’s getting better
Today women are dominating in all walks of life, showing their talents and delivery. Most of the corporate sector also prefer equality in top positions. Regarding the child’s development, it certainly requires a mother’s attention and they have to stay with a new baby for a few months. Already, in many places, women are given adequate maternity leave, and now they are thinking of giving even more days. The UAE is already taking care of women and now the concept for providing additional facilities of car parking and nursing rooms are in line with that goal.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Not always viable
When does a mother’s job end? Yes, it’s good that companies are offering extended benefits, but the important thing is for a mother to be with her child. In that case, longer maternity leave would be good. We always look from the employee’s perspective, but people set up companies for business. It does cost them when they have an employee on extended leave and with added benefits. Let’s face it, they have not opened up companies to fulfil most women’s career goals. But, since it is their responsibility to look after their employees and if they feel they need the expertise of a female employee, then they should value her work and give them these maternity benefits.
From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh
UAE
Breaking barriers
Actually women were designed for shaping the home, but I wonder how it came for them to be in the workplace. That being said, women have shown that they are fit to work as well as any other employee. It’s excellent.
From Mr Kevino Alexano
UAE
Worrisome childcare options
The mother and child bond is crucial till the age when the child starts going to school. If, due to financial problems, a mother wants to work, then she must choose a place where a nursery is provided. Nowadays, what companies have such a place until and unless it is a law set in place by a government to do so.
I have seen some friends call their children’s grandmothers to look after them in turns. This is one option. I am never an advocate of giving small children to babysitters that we don’t know, like maids and daycare centres. I don’t blame all such options, but we see negligence cases mostly in the above three childcare options. But many are never discovered, but it affects the child’s personality later.
It depends if a mother’s services and her role is important for a company’s progress, then they should give extended leave.
From Ms Syeda Ahmad
UAE
A necessity for health
Long maternity leave is a definite necessity. Firstly, it is medically proven that breastfeeding improves immunity. With this in mind, in the mid to long term, we will have a generation of healthier people. This provides less strain on healthcare systems, not to mention a happier and more effective population. Secondly, the bond between a mother and child is one that can only be a built up foundation when the child is in its very early days. It’s simple, long term maternity leave is a must.
From Mr Shailender Thakur
Dubai
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