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Mothers get nearly eight times more paid leave than fathers worldwide, UN data shows
In brief
New data from UN Women and the World Bank Group, published on October 22, 2026, shows that mothers around the world receive an average of 196 days of paid leave after a birth, while fathers get just 25. In 66 of the 190 economies surveyed, fathers are guaranteed no paid leave at all, and in half of the rest they get less than two weeks.
What the brief found
The policy brief, From Parenthood Leave to Childcare Services, says mothers are not fully protected either. In 61 economies, mothers get less than the International Labour Organization standard of 14 weeks, and in six they are guaranteed no paid leave at all. Women already spend about 2.5 times more hours a day than men on unpaid care work, according to the report summary from UN News.
Why fathers' leave matters
The researchers say that when fathers take leave, they go on to share more of the childcare and housework for years afterwards. Paternity leave is also linked to higher earnings and employment for mothers. Children benefit too: one analysis cited in the brief connects more involved fathering with better language, emotion control and behaviour. The brief also notes that many men want to be more involved, and that around one in four parents also look after older relatives.
"Care sustains our families, societies and economies, yet women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of it," said UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda. The agencies are calling for fair parental and carers' leave and better childcare services ahead of the International Day of Care and Support on October 29.
VSH take: the first months with a new baby are usually easier when both parents can be at home, which is why these numbers matter beyond economics. Rules differ a lot by country, so it is worth checking your own employer and government benefits early. If you are expecting, our due date calculator and baby vaccine schedule can help you plan.
ViralScopeHub is an independent site and is not affiliated with the United Nations, UN Women or the World Bank.
Why it matters
How leave is shared after a birth shapes family life, women's careers and children's development for years, so these gaps affect families and economies everywhere.
People also ask
How much paid leave do mothers and fathers get on average?
According to UN Women and the World Bank, mothers average 196 days of paid leave and fathers 25 days across the 190 economies surveyed.
How many countries give fathers no paid leave?
In 66 of the 190 economies surveyed, fathers are guaranteed no paid leave at all.
What is the ILO standard for maternity leave?
The International Labour Organization standard is at least 14 weeks. The brief found 61 economies fall short of it.
Related free tools: Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Sources
Every ViralScopeHub news item is an original summary written in our own words. We link to the original reporting so you can read the full story from the publisher.
