The conversation around equal maternity and paternity rights has gained momentum in the UK, with growing recognition that giving both parents equal opportunities to share caregiving responsibilities is essential for gender equality. A recent spotlight on organizations like Dad Shift and their work to champion equal paternity leave has brought this critical issue back into focus. Equal parental rights aren’t just a “nice-to-have” for modern families — they are a key factor in narrowing the gender pay gap, advancing workplace equality, and promoting healthier family dynamics.
Why Equal Parental Leave Matters
At the heart of the debate is the reality that the current system is outdated and imbalanced. Under UK law, mothers are entitled to up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, whereas fathers receive just two weeks of paternity leave. While shared parental leave was introduced to allow both parents to share time off, uptake remains disappointingly low. According to a study by the Fatherhood Institute, only 2% to 8% of eligible couples take advantage of shared parental leave. This lack of equality in parental rights sends a clear message that caregiving remains the primary responsibility of women — a cultural narrative that perpetuates inequality both at home and in the workplace.
The disparity in leave rights has a direct impact on women’s earnings and career progression. According to Pregnant Then Screwed, an organization that campaigns for better parental rights, 54,000 women lose their jobs each year in the UK due to pregnancy or maternity-related discrimination. Moreover, women returning to work after maternity leave often face a “motherhood penalty,” with reduced opportunities for promotion, lower wages, and career stagnation.
This imbalance fuels the gender pay gap, as women are more likely to work part-time or take time out of their careers to care for children, while men often remain in full-time roles. Providing men with equal opportunities to take on caregiving responsibilities would not only help reduce the gender pay gap but also shift societal expectations around gender roles.
How Equal Parental Leave Can Help Close the Gender Pay Gap
The link between unequal parental leave and the gender pay gap is well-documented. Women are more likely to take extended leave for childcare, resulting in slower career progression and lower pay. Equalising maternity and paternity leave would give men the opportunity — and expectation — to share in the responsibilities of early parenthood, thus reducing the time women need to take off work and helping balance the impact on their careers.
In countries like Sweden and Iceland, where parental leave policies are far more balanced, there is evidence that equal leave helps level the playing field. When fathers are required or encouraged to take extended paternity leave, it normalises men’s role in caregiving and alleviates the burden on women to be the primary caregivers. These policies also promote better work-life balance for both men and women, leading to healthier families and more equitable workplaces.
Equal parental leave also shifts workplace dynamics, making it less likely for employers to discriminate against women of childbearing age. When both men and women are equally likely to take extended time off to care for children, the business case for hiring and promoting based on gender diminishes, as employers will see men and women as equally capable of balancing work and family responsibilities.
Dad Shift and Advocating for Change
Organizations like Dad Shift have been instrumental in pushing for change. Their mission is to advocate for men’s rights to take paternity leave and normalise the idea that fathers are equally capable caregivers. They argue that current policies around parental leave are not only unfair but harmful, reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes and limiting opportunities for men to bond with their children in the critical early months of life.
Pregnant Then Screwed, another key player in this movement, has long called for better maternity protections and is now pushing for more equal parental leave rights to help women return to work on equal terms. Both organisations argue that by offering fathers the same leave entitlements as mothers, we can take a major step toward closing the gender pay gap and creating a more equitable society.
What You Can Do to Support Equal Parental Rights
There are several ways you can support the push for equal parental leave in the UK:
- Advocate for Policy Change
Support campaigns that call for reforms in parental leave policies. Get involved with organizations like Dad Shift and Pregnant Then Screwed, who are working tirelessly to bring about change. - Support Fathers in the Workplace
If you’re an employer or a business leader, consider implementing or advocating for enhanced paternity leave within your organisation. By offering more substantial leave packages, you can set an example and encourage a culture of equality within your workplace. - Promote Shared Parental Leave
If you or your partner are expecting, consider opting for shared parental leave. While uptake has been low, the more families that embrace this option, the more normalised it will become. - Challenge Gender Norms
Both men and women can benefit from challenging traditional gender roles when it comes to parenting. By encouraging men to take an active role in caregiving, we can help dismantle the societal pressures that place the burden of childcare disproportionately on women. - Raise Awareness
Use your voice on social media or in your professional circles to raise awareness about the importance of equal parental leave and its impact on the gender pay gap. Small conversations can lead to bigger changes.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Gender Equality
Equal parental leave is about more than just fairness; it’s about fostering a culture that supports both men and women in balancing their professional and personal lives. By giving men the opportunity to take on equal caregiving roles, we can help close the gender pay gap, reduce workplace discrimination, and build stronger, more inclusive workplaces.
As organizations like Dad Shift, Pregnant Then Screwed, and the Fatherhood Institute continue to push for equal rights, it’s essential that we all do our part to support this movement. Together, we can build a future where both men and women have the freedom to thrive in their careers and their roles as parents.
Nicola Broomham, Chair of Women in Residential Property
