OPTIMISM FOR CHANGE
Still, there is reason for optimism.
How parents deal with their job and caregiving obligations has changed as a result of a similar shared parental leave scheme that was introduced in the UK. Moms who took the left frequently transition from traditional “breadwinner” functions to more engaged caregiving ones, which results in a more evenly distributed load on domestic responsibilities.
It also sparked and lasted long conversations about work and care, highlighting the potential for these plans to change societal objectives where open debate and shared obligations in families are the norm.
In Sweden, “daddy restrictions” marked a pivotal time in parental leave plan. It began by granting parents a 30-day leave of absence that would be lost if left unnecessarily.
The fathers who took any parental leave rose from 44 % to 77 % after the introduction of this policy, which highlights the success of the quota in promoting gender equality. Since then, this limit has been increased to 90 times.
Closer to home, Japan, usually steeped in profoundly rooted gender roles, has even made notable achievements. The share of fathers taking childcare leave has increased significantly from 17 % in 2022 to 30 % in 2023 after extensive public awareness campaigns and system changes.
Societal norms are not eternal, they can be reshaped with dedication, friendly policies, and a shared commitment to alter.